How could you not love a kids band that does a cover of the Velvet Underground's "Rock and Roll"? Or a band that transforms The Ramones "I Wanna Be Sedated" into "I Wanna Be Elated"? Combine that with juggling and puppets and you've got The Sippy Cups, arguably the coolest group for the under-eight crowd ever. Hip parents will like The Sippy Cups, too, who are headlining Sunday's GE Kids Day at the Empire State Plaza. There will plenty to do between noon and 5pm, but keep an eye out for the kite building workshop. We saw this at the balloon festival in Glens Falls a couple of years ago, and it's a really great hands-on activity ---for children of all ages.

Take it off folks, because it's National Nude Recreation Week. If you've ever been curious about getting nude somewhere besides behind closed doors, this weekend is your opportunity. Juniper Woods, the clothing optional park and campground in Athens is hosting a special event Saturday with co-sponsors, the Northern Exposure Sun Club. Come to the open house at Juniper Woods on Saturday and they'll waive the admission fee. The long range forecast for Saturday is sunny and 89 degrees, which to us sounds like perfect get naked weather. Don't forget the sunscreen. One thing: we went to the web site for Northern Exposure and there's a picture of cartoon moose ---but the moose is dressed. Puzzling.