ELMO JUST CAN'T

As a barometer of where humanity is at in these dystopian 21st century days, Elmo (from Sesame Street) sent out what appeared to be a fairly standard generic tweet on X at the start of the week simply asking 'how is everybody doing?' only to find himself soon overwhelmed with the sheer tonnage of human suffering returned to him in the comments section as his original post quickly garnered over 200 million views.

Many of the replies included reports of recent lay offs, divorce, dead family members, illness, mental health issues and fears about WW3, the US election and the environment.

On the subject of WW3 it appears that the world (or at least the internet) has identified its collective avatar for the purported battle ahead and it's Elmo. Who knew? Perhaps that's really where we all are now as a species - hiding behind the comforting fuzzy red fur of a Jim Henson puppet with an orange-y, walnut shaped nose as the threat of religious terror, nuclear war and cyborgs approaches.

Subsequently, in one of his follow up tweets to the 'checking in' post, Elmo included the hashtag #EmotionalWellBeing as he was then invited to expound about the subject on American daytime television.

One famous celebrity misanthrope wasn't too impressed with Elmo's unexpected mental health campaign, however, and that was fellow guest of NBC's 'Today" and comedy writer/actor, Larry David (of 'Seinfeld' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' fame) who seemed hugely triggered by the puppet's do-gooding and proceeded to wrap his hand around Elmo's head whilst squeezing tight. It was a surprise to see that Elmo's dad, Louie, made no effort whatsoever to protect his puppet son from the assault from the comedian and simply stood there rooted to the spot, though very clearly aghast at the attack by David.

Who knows what this entire Elmo related news week says about what to expect for the rest of 2024.

What I will say is, I suspect the madness is only just beginning and wouldn't be at all surprised if Larry David has to atone for his violence by appearing in an episode of Sesame Street dressed as Big Bird.

To paraphrase Larry's most famous quote from 'Curb':

'Pretty, pretty, pretty ... pretty bird!'