• by Jennifer Berger , August 23, 2006

I'm not fond of change, but I am fond of food. Really, who isn't? I grew up watching Cookie Monster scarf down cookies and the Hamburglar steal hamburgers, and I'll admit I still enjoy watching the characters of my childhood. But recently some of my favorite food icons underwent their own version of "Extreme Makeover."

First, Cookie Monster traded in his favorite fare to hawk Sunkist products. But isn't the song "C Is for Cookie," not Citrus? When was the last time you were fired up by fruit?

And Ronald McDonald is now a trimmed-down sports nut. This is not the clown I knew. I understand wanting to offer healthier choices, but making Ronald McDonald a role model for an active lifestyle seems ridiculous.

The advertising world's newest made-over icons are Bazooka Joe and the Sun-Maid Raisin Girl. Bazooka Joe has matured into a teen with a diverse bunch of friends: an African-American, a German exchange student, an Asian-American, and a wisecracking dog (wouldn't want to upset PETA).The 90-year-old Sun-Maid Raisin Girl has been newly animated for TV commercials.

To quote Paris Hilton, she's not just attractive, she's "hot." I'm sorry, that's just too much for me. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to sit back and watch Miss Piggy show Jessica Simpson a thing or two about stardom at Pizza Hut. At least some things never change!