Sunny Days: Lisette's internship on Sesame Street, Part 3

Last week I called Lisette at school to ask her who her favorite muppet was. I didn't tell her why I was asking, but the reason was that I wanted to customize a name plate for her cube. And do you know what came out of her mouth?

"Hmm, I like Telly a lot."

I don't think I have to explain my horror at hearing this answer. But I'll allow myself a short explanation. I think we all know that Telly sucks—almost as bad as Baby Bear sucks (sorry, Luca, but sanctioned lisping on network TV is not cool. And this monster and bear pair are best fwends. Not surprising.). Telly is a whiny, anxiety-ridden sack of fidgety maroon shit. He has the self-confidence and sense of humor of a potato—and kind of the same shape. He's the annoying acquaintance who's always around and too ready to greet any situation with a down-in-the-mouth "but what if" bummer scenario. What a buzz-kill.

You can imagine my verbal response to her. It included an embarassed guffaw, then a condescending compliment on being first person to work at Sesame Workshop to come up with that answer.

"Well, actually, I really like Oscar, too"

"Nope. Too late. Telly's your favorite."

"But... well, I do like him, giggle giggle. But I don't know if he's my favorite..."

"Yes. Telly's your favorite."

And so it goes. The news spread quickly to the entire editorial staff (Kama and Beth), who also let out a pair of embarrased guffaws. And now, my dear Smelly Poo, I'm afraid anyone who walks by your quite centrally-located cubicle will know, too.