You gotta love kids programming...

Was watching Little Einsteins with Michael the other day. Apparently their rocket works when the characters pat their laps (and chant, "Pat pat pat pat..." to the rhythm of whatever classical hook du jour that they're drilling into your heads). We're all urged to pat our laps with the characters, raise our arms, sing along with Leo, Annie, June, and Quincy. What I love is this:

Leo: Can you help me find Rocket?
<<>>
Leo: Great! Clap your hands with me...

Of course, the whole time this is going on, my kid is just staring at the television in a CRT-induced stupor. I wonder what percentage of kids actually interact with the TV. I'm guessing that those that do are probably the "high energy" ones (you know which ones I'm talking about) that should probably be outside in the first place. Of course, that's probably better than CRT-induced stupor...

I have to admit, I do enjoy watching it myself though. But why-oh-why do they give the one character who isn't the best singer the majority of the singing parts? I end up with a classical hook in my head for the rest of the day, just off key enough to drive me nuts...

Oh, and other evidence that children have become accessories for some people. Yes, I would like to spend $200plus on a cashmere outfit for my baby...I'm sure that the curdled-milk-spitup just washes right out...

Do I sound a bit grumpy? Well I have good reason. Get this: because of vacation plans, Michael will probably be attending 9 days of preschool next month. So how much do I have to pay for a month? The full price for the month. Let's see...that amounts to $49.44/day or $12.36/hour. And they wonder why people don't put their kids in preschool...