I'm not sure what to make of this: 'rejuveniles' trend. Apparently the New York Times has come to the realization that there are adults out there who like Hello Kitty, or Fluffernutter, or who watch cartoons on television.

Okay, I admit it - I'm still fond of Clifford, the Big Red Dog, and I have stuffed animals sitting on my bed, and I watch cartoons that are aimed at kids ("South Park" and the junk on Spike tv just creep me out). But the idea that people now see this as a marketing niche and a trend to be exploited...well, that sort of creeps me out, too. And the idea that some people are pursuing it as a lifestyle of sorts - I mean, for me, I see the juvenile parts of my personality as quirks, as something about me that's "not quite right"

I don't see it as "cultivating juvenile tastes," rather more for me, it's that there was some stuff I never quite grew out of. And I don't do it for the camp value, either - my appreciation of things like the Little Bear cartoon are completely without irony.

Also, I'm not "self-consciously cultiva[ting] immaturity," I'd actually be quite embarrassed if my colleagues found out about my fondness for Cartoon Network or that I buy "Cinnamon Toast Crunch" cereal rather than something more 'adult'

One of the commentators in the article remarked on how it was "quite sad" that it seemed that adulthood had nothing to recommend it any more. Somehow, I don't think he quite understands it, and perhaps the author of the article doesn't either. I don't dislike being an adult (most of the time). I enjoy being able to fulfill responsibilities and hold down a complex job - it's what gives my life part of its meaning. For me, the forays into the world of toys or cartoons is a short-term escape, a way of relaxing - a bit like the martini that the stereotypical 1950s businessman would down as soon as he got home.