Rhianna Banana

TV panels

Lately I've been going to a lot of tv panels. Last month, Pierre and I went to an event at the Paley Center for Media called Daily Show Writers speak! A bunch of the writers were there and a couple correspondents. Pierre and I learned lots about the show. Did you know that John Oliver is not the voice of the Geico gecko?

Then we went to a panel on Sesame Street. Writers, producers, puppeteers, and actors, including Maria(!) were there. They showed a highlight reel from the last season, which included gems such as their parody of 30 Rock and High School Musical (Preschool Musical). The education director at Sesame Street said that they try to throw in references to things in pop culture that adults would be interested in so that parents will watch the show with their children. Kids learn more with a parent beside them to explain things and perhaps reinforce the concepts after the show is over.

They also mentioned that traditionally the First Lady makes an appearance on the show, so keep a look out for Michelle Obama's cameo! Maybe Malaya will be watching when she is on, and then remember the time that Mrs. Obama held her. . .

I love the segments where musicians come on and change their famous songs to teach some lesson to kids. I looked around Youtube for some of the best ones to post here:



James Blunt's parody of "You're Beautiful" called "Triangle".



Feist's "1234"



Norah Jone's "I Don't Know Why Y Didn't Come"

The last TV panel I went to was one on the Real World. It was also hosted by the Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of TV and Radio). The two executive producers, Jonathan Murray and Jim Johnston were there, along with all the cast members from the current iteration of the show (Real World Brooklyh). I ended up going by myself because Pierre was out of town and I couldn't force anyone else to go with me. The Real World TV panel did not seem to be one of the more popular events at the Paley Center. The audience barely filled up 10 rows of the theater. That same theater was packed for the Daily Show writers panel. But, with so few people there, we all got a chance to ask a question.

I asked the executive producers how they picked their locations. I specifically wanted to know why they've used New York City three times now, but never Washington, D.C. Jonathan Murray answered that they pick cities where young people want to be. He said that he has wanted to use D.C., but he's been waiting for a Democratic administration. According to him, Washington, D.C. is the new Hollywood. So, D.C. should finally become a Real World destination in the next 4 to 8 years! Woohoo!

The cast for the Brooklyn season seems cool. Brooklyn is their 21st season. It premieres on Wednesday, January 7 at 10pm. I haven't watched the show regularly since the Chicago season, but I'll probably try to watch this time since I went to the panel. And one of the cast members is a dolphin trainer! How cool is that?

posted by Unknown @ Sunday, November 30, 2008 0 comments

Obama generation

It occurred to me last night that my children will be born under an Obama administration. That makes Pierre and I very happy. Pierre and I are both biracial, so our children will be multiracial (half white, quarter Filipino, and a quarter Chinese) and they will be born when a biracial man is President of the United States. Obama is the first African-American to be elected President, but he is also the first biracial person to hold the highest office in the land. Three cheers for biracial/multiethnic people! I hope that all children born in the next 8 years will be called the Obama generation and my children will be amongst them. What a great time to be born! Pierre and I must have kids in the next 8 years =)

I'm sure everyone has a story about where they were and what they were doing last night when Obama was declared the President elect. Pierre and I tried calling our family and friends after the announcement was made, but our cell phones were not working because everyone else in America was on the phone, sharing the moment with their loved ones and celebrating together. I finally had to use our landline to call my brother's landline so that I could talk to my siblings. Obama supporters don't seem to be gloating or acting mean-spirited about the win. I don't think there will be any talk of "political capital" that will be spent. Everyone just seems really happy and proud to be an American right now. Most people seem to already be focusing on the challenges ahead.

One of my friends told me a truly heart-warming story about a family that was determined to vote yesterday. And I am sure there are lots of stories like this one, and I would like to hear more of them. Please tell me any good stories you've heard! Here's my friend's story:

One mother said she just came home from voting - she was going to go in the afternoon after we left, but her 8 year-old son woke her up at 5 am all dressed up in his Sunday best because he wanted to vote and "make history". So they waited in line from 6-10am! I almost burst into tears when she told me that!

Isn't that so cool? I almost started crying when I read that email. I don't have any personal stories like that, but something funny did happen to me on my way to work this morning. Pierre and I now have 3 Obama decals on the back of our car. That's because we donated multiple times to the campaign and got a bunch of goodies. Also, we got bashed a little in the Michael's parking lot the other weekend, so we added an additional bumper sticker to cover up the scratches. We have a car magnet on the left, a bumper sticker in the middle, and a different Obama bumper sticker on the right. As I was driving to work today, another driver honked his horn repeatedly at me, smiled, and gave me a two finger salute/wave. It was sweet!

I have to admit that I am going to miss all the campaign coverage. It was my main form of entertainment these last few months. Now what am I going to do? Does anyone else feel this way?

posted by Unknown @ Wednesday, November 05, 2008 0 comments