Hi I just wanted to post in hopes of getting some ideas, my husband and I are throwing around the idea of visiting Las Vegas but I have never been there and we don't gamble to I was wondering if I could get some ideas of what there is to do there - I find locals can give a better idea than doing personal research although I will be doing that too =) THANKS =)

I have to agree with Sesame Street & Hollie on this. We all hate to think of something so familiar to us, changing, as it is comfortable the way it is, the way we know it to be. I know from the experience of having 3 children & 2 grandchildren, from the 1st years of Sesame Street thru the present, that Cookie does represent a 'lax in judgement' when it comes to snacking, or eating for that matter & he is a tremendous influence (as all of Sesame Street is) on the eating habits of our children. Yes, it is & should be the responsibility of the parents & adults in a child's life, to monitor what their children eat, but, the simple truth is, that this is a very hectic world these days & what better or quicker way to pacify a whiney, crying child or a hungry but its not dinner time yet child, than with a cookie? I never knew it was just as easy to grab a carrot stick from the fridge as it was to grab a cookie from the cabinet. My children wouldnt have accepted it anyway, because "Cookie Monster is eating a cookie! I want one too!!' I can't help but think that had he been eating a piece of broccoli or a piece of fruit, my eldest son might not be battling a weight problem all his life. Sesame Street characters are not 'just' cartoon figures. They are very real to children who are at an age where they dont know reality from fantasy yet. They all serve a purpose & that purpose is to teach our children about different aspects of life. In my humble opinion, they do a damn good job of it & I hope they stay in existence for generations to come. I dont think this is a publicity stunt & if it is, well, it sure is a smart one! Are they going too far? Not as far as I am concerned. Not only are they teaching children...they also teach parents. I learned many things (in an adult perspective) watching the shows with my kids. In fact, my 3 kids, ages 31, 30 & 22 still watch it! Many times, I have said to my children & now my daughter will say to her children...'I don't think Big Bird would do that. It's not nice' etc. Sesame Street & characters are held up to children as the prime example of what good, bad, acceptable & unacceptable behavior is. Look at it this way, if it will make you feel better about the change in Cookie...'he is maturing with age' lol. Sheryl

CORRECTION! CORRECTION! Richard, this week's meeting is at the FLAMINGO LIBRARY not Spring Valley. We had a scheduling conflict at Spring Valley for this month. Sorry for the confusion! Sheryl

I am having my surgery in Mexico next week. Do you folks know of any support groups that I can join here in Vegas?