FOT Forum
FOT Community => Hey New People! => Topic started by: CurtBlair on September 03, 2008, 01:49:11 PM
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After well more than a year of quiet Best Show fandom, I finally resolved to call in yesterday and take part in the mirth and mayhem. I realized that my endless wait for the perfect topic about which I'd have something perfect to say was bound to stay endless -- better to just dive in the water and learn to swim.
(Reviewing the tape with clipboard and pen in hand, I feel like I did pretty well ... I had the shakes and it made me try a little too hard to "hang" and be clever, but I avoided the dreaded heave-ho. Plenty of room for improvement, but an OK start; a gentleman's B minus, I think.)
Anyhow, I thought it'd be appropriate to start a thread in the new kids' section about the triumphs and the tragedies of rookie Best Show calls. Have you called in yet? Do you plan to call soon? Did you earn the honor of a "thanks" or the dubious distinction of GOMPage from El Goodo?
And it'd be great if Best Show vets could chime in with their own first-call reminiscences ... or campfire chillers about disastrous first-callers who never called back!
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This is how my first call went:
"FMU, you're on the air."
"Hi, this is Nate from St. Paul."
"Nick! From St. Paul."
"Nate."
"Nick from St. Paulnate."
"Uh... this is going downhill fast."
A couple weeks later I was GOMPed for getting too depressed over the existence of the Jerky Boys. I was also recently GOMPed for offering a terrible Rob Zombie-caliber lyric for what would eventually become "The World Is in the Turlet". And most of my calls I'm kind of a terse, uncharismatic dude prone to lots of "uh"s and "y'know"s, so I think I could use some improvement. Or some cold water in the face. Either way.
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I had the shakes and it made me try a little too hard to "hang" and be clever, but I avoided the dreaded heave-ho.
I know those shakes too well...much like public speaking, I don't know whether I'm going to vomit or start crying.
It took me three or four years to call in. I finally did so because the topic of Tall Bikes and vandalizing Brooklyn Industries was just too tempting to let go. My mindset before going in: don't try to be too clever or else it's an automatic GOMP.
I did get a nickname out of it though, hence 10-Speed. Alas, it would be another 2.5 years before I got the courage to call in again. On the bright side, at this rate I'm due for another call in December of 2009.
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I actually called for the first time last night as well...I couldn't resist the discussion of jerks & Celebrity Chefs. Celebrity Chefs drive me insane. I think it went pretty well.
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Celebrity Chefs drive me insane.
Rightly so...David Chang's Momofuku used to send me running back to Brooklyn with, well, the runs.
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You should also not refer (even in the vaguest sense) to David Bowie's penis. Auto-GOMP.
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You should also not refer (even in the vaguest sense) to David Bowie's penis. Auto-GOMP.
Well thank goodness I got out of there...that was next on my jerk list.
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You should also not refer (even in the vaguest sense) to David Bowie's penis. Auto-GOMP.
David Bowie-Labyrinth or David Bowie-Pre-Stardust?
(http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/images/pmills/2005/03/20/crotch.jpg) (http://davidwarnerellis.co.uk/images/large_images/DavidBowieN16.jpg)
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Labyrinth, all the way. It dominates the screen.
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Is that a Muppet in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?
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You should also not refer (even in the vaguest sense) to David Bowie's penis. Auto-GOMP.
I think it'll be easier for me to just remember not to refer to anyone's penis.
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Hey. By all means, skip the details if it makes you feel better.
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You should also not refer (even in the vaguest sense) to David Bowie's penis. Auto-GOMP.
I think it'll be easier for me to just remember not to refer to anyone's penis.
Well at that point you are obviously avoiding David Bowies....hence drawing attention to it.
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Two calls, one eleven-year ban. Can you beat Todd's Record?
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My first call was during the second movie quote show sometime in the back half of last year (the show that spawned "Get ready to meet my little friend"). I was very obviously nervous but I made it through OK, even when Tom accused me of fabricating the movie I was quoting (Rubin & Ed). I'm proud to say that my quote did make the list, though.
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I was a podcast only listener up until a few months ago and it would kill me when there would be a topic and I'd come up with a contribution but couldn't call in with it, so I decided to start listening live. I've made two calls now (celebrity iTunes playlist of Carlos Mencia/Dane Cook & Chriss Angel last night) and both times I was really nervous, even though there really was no good reason for it. I hate listening to my calls afterwards because I can't help but analyze them (like my first call I gave my name and talked right over Tom asking where I was from & last night when I didn't even give my name). I'm hoping it gets less nervewracking the more you call in.
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My first call was during a prolonged episode of Coffin Talk. While I was on hold, the show spiraled into a discussion of drinking alone, and who was stupid.
My roommate, oddly enough, had not let me have a beer earlier (he'd come back from the store with 3 six-packs) so I threw him under the bus and told Tom that my roommate was standing between me and a cold one. Tom demanded to speak with him and told him to Shop For A Coffin. The roommate says "your friend hung up on me. He's weird."
I let Roommate have my Best Show Fun Pack t-shirt, since he's an avid Scarface fan and I wanted to be a good sport, but he took a look at it and said "they got the phrase wrong. It's 'Say Hello To My Little Friend."
Pearls to swine.
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I get those shakes too, for sure.
After my first call I was so wired I didn't get to sleep until 3 a.m.
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My first call was during a prolonged episode of Coffin Talk. While I was on hold, the show spiraled into a discussion of drinking alone, and who was stupid.
My roommate, oddly enough, had not let me have a beer earlier (he'd come back from the store with 3 six-packs) so I threw him under the bus and told Tom that my roommate was standing between me and a cold one. Tom demanded to speak with him and told him to Shop For A Coffin. The roommate says "your friend hung up on me. He's weird."
That is an awesome first call story.
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That is an awesome first call story.
Thanks. It was awesome throwing that tool into The Best Show Volcano.
Emma, I hear you. If I call, I'm going to be up for a while.
C
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I get those shakes too, for sure.
After my first call I was so wired I didn't get to sleep until 3 a.m.
This used to happen to me every time I called! But luckily it didn't last long :)
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I get those shakes too, for sure.
After my first call I was so wired I didn't get to sleep until 3 a.m.
This used to happen to me every time I called! But luckily it didn't last long :)
I was pretty pumped after making the phone call...but mostly because I was able to vent my Kevin Smith hatred.
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I was calling the show pretty regularly for a while, but curtailed it hard in 2008. I hated hearing myself on the podcast and would always fast forward during it. Now I just call occasionally if there's a topic that sets off a lighbulb and I don't have to force it, which I think has only been two or maybe three times this year. I'm comfortable having been a mildly-successful (one GOMP), if unremarkable, caller.
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I only just went in the chat for the first time, so I think calling will be a step for the future. And it seems like I only have something to contribute when I'm listening to the podcast days later.
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my first call was all kinds of horrible. then i gradually worked my way back into tom's favor. then.... something else happened!
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I only just went in the chat for the first time, so I think calling will be a step for the future. And it seems like I only have something to contribute when I'm listening to the podcast days later.
I'm still waiting for someone to call up with something for the "wit of the staircase" topic from like a year ago.
Though I think DFK might have done that like a week after it aired. So, um, maybe I'm not?
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Shoot, if Tom hangs up on you, it's funny! And it's not as easy as it should be to get him to hang up! So don't be such a dork and call. Then, when you are a boring loser, pretend to your friends that it was intentional and not one of them will be the wiser. And everyone else will laugh at you and you will be famous and win millions dollars and have a wife in every port.
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YES! You listen to Julie. She is a woman of the trenches.
Say what you want about her, but this girl is as entertaining as a powercaller and knows how to keep the show on it's toes.
If Erika is the Green Lantern, then Julie is Sinestro, that one with the yellow lantern.
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I don't really remember my first call. Maybe offering Joe Francis during one of the many "people you hate" topics? It was completely average.
My favorite call, though, was when I submitted Tom Bosley as the median in the Best to Worst (http://www.friendsoftom.com/forum/index.php/topic,3680.0.html) list. It made Tom laugh, which is all you can hope for.
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my first call was all kinds of horrible. then i gradually worked my way back into tom's favor. then.... something else happened!
Herbie! You will rise again, son.
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I only just went in the chat for the first time, so I think calling will be a step for the future. And it seems like I only have something to contribute when I'm listening to the podcast days later.
I'm still waiting for someone to call up with something for the "wit of the staircase" topic from like a year ago.
Though I think DFK might have done that like a week after it aired. So, um, maybe I'm not?
I don't understand what your crazy words mean.
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I don't really remember my first call. Maybe offering Joe Francis during one of the many "people you hate" topics? It was completely average.
My favorite call, though, was when I submitted Tom Bosley as the median in the Best to Worst (http://www.friendsoftom.com/forum/index.php/topic,3680.0.html) list. It made Tom laugh, which is all you can hope for.
That was inspired. Tom Bosley is indeed the human equivalent of noodle soup.
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I just realized that I sorta blocked out my first call... it wasn't the David Bowie package call, it was me squealing like a thirteen-year-old about Zach Galifianakis. It was mortifying when I realized I was on the air. But I did get to talk to my ultimate comedy crush, so that made it all worth it.
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I just realized that I sorta blocked out my first call... it wasn't the David Bowie package call, it was me squealing like a thirteen-year-old about Zach Galifianakis. It was mortifying when I realized I was on the air. But I did get to talk to my ultimate comedy crush, so that made it all worth it.
You made the recap quotes on your first call!
"You can call me David, if you want to. It's alright." -- Erika, granting Zach permission to call her by a man's name
(Zach called you David because he was so used to getting male callers.)
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I only just went in the chat for the first time, so I think calling will be a step for the future. And it seems like I only have something to contribute when I'm listening to the podcast days later.
I'm still waiting for someone to call up with something for the "wit of the staircase" topic from like a year ago.
Though I think DFK might have done that like a week after it aired. So, um, maybe I'm not?
I don't understand what your crazy words mean.
My memory is faulty!
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I only just went in the chat for the first time, so I think calling will be a step for the future. And it seems like I only have something to contribute when I'm listening to the podcast days later.
I'm still waiting for someone to call up with something for the "wit of the staircase" topic from like a year ago.
Though I think DFK might have done that like a week after it aired. So, um, maybe I'm not?
I don't understand what your crazy words mean.
My memory is faulty!
My first real call was built around me having a flat tire on my way to listening to the show for first time live; I called Tom and asked him not to do anything entertaining before I could get home. He promised that nothing entertaining was in the cards.
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One of these days I'll have to make a first call.
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My first (and so far, only) call was a story about Run-DMC's "Rock Box" for the "soundtrack to your life" topic in June. Tom liked it, which has made me nervous about a follow-up.
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I love "Rock Box."
I had one (and only one) call where I said I'd least like to be handcuffed (that was the topic) to David Blaine because I would be torn between wanting him to fail to get out of the handcuffs (to see him fail) and wanting him to successfully get us out of the handcuffs (but having to deal with his smugness over pulling the trick off).
I think it's kinda funny but, typically for me, waaaaaaay overthought.
Maybe I'll call in again if I ever think of an easy answer for the topic.
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YES! You listen to Julie. She is a woman of the trenches.
Say what you want about her, but this girl is as entertaining as a powercaller and knows how to keep the show on it's toes.
If Erika is the Green Lantern, then Julie is Sinestro, that one with the yellow lantern.
What is Sinestro? Could you change it to Sinestra or Sinestralia? What is the Green Lantern? Why can't I be a red lantern?
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YES! You listen to Julie. She is a woman of the trenches.
Say what you want about her, but this girl is as entertaining as a powercaller and knows how to keep the show on it's toes.
If Erika is the Green Lantern, then Julie is Sinestro, that one with the yellow lantern.
What is Sinestro? Could you change it to Sinestra or Sinestralia? What is the Green Lantern? Why can't I be a red lantern?
1. Drink up lots of Goldshlager (or something else if you prefer).
2. Put a red lampshade on your head.
3. Fight crime. Or commit crimes. Your choice.
4. You're the red lantern!
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My first call was on the night of the monkfish cooler delivery. I hadn't realized what had happened until I listened to the archive the next day at work. (unGOMPed)
After a couple more calls scattered over a few months I realized that I was one of those boring nice guys that the new regime was created to vanquish.
Now I just listen.
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My first real call was built around me having a flat tire on my way to listening to the show for first time live; I called Tom and asked him not to do anything entertaining before I could get home. He promised that nothing entertaining was in the cards.
I remember that- when he obliged instead of GOMPing you it was a sign of good things to come.
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i'm the guy who attempted to besmirch jimmy workman, famous for portraying pugsley in the addams family movies. it is a legit story though. message me and i will tell you off the air.
i tried to keep my fail from my brother, then of course it showed up as a beginning-of-show-GOMP. TANKS GUYZZZ
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My first call in the next four weeks. Mark it down.
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YES! You listen to Julie. She is a woman of the trenches.
Say what you want about her, but this girl is as entertaining as a powercaller and knows how to keep the show on it's toes.
If Erika is the Green Lantern, then Julie is Sinestro, that one with the yellow lantern.
What is Sinestro? Could you change it to Sinestra or Sinestralia? What is the Green Lantern? Why can't I be a red lantern?
(http://www.hillcity-comics.com/toys/sinestro_ring_prop.jpg)
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Thank you.
Once a member of the Green Lantern Corps, now their rival, operating under the illicit Yellow Spectrum of Colour.
It's that easy.
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My first call was during a prolonged episode of Coffin Talk. While I was on hold, the show spiraled into a discussion of drinking alone, and who was stupid.
My roommate, oddly enough, had not let me have a beer earlier (he'd come back from the store with 3 six-packs) so I threw him under the bus and told Tom that my roommate was standing between me and a cold one. Tom demanded to speak with him and told him to Shop For A Coffin. The roommate says "your friend hung up on me. He's weird."
I let Roommate have my Best Show Fun Pack t-shirt, since he's an avid Scarface fan and I wanted to be a good sport, but he took a look at it and said "they got the phrase wrong. It's 'Say Hello To My Little Friend."
Pearls to swine.
That made me laugh! I wish we could throw people under a bus next time.
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The first time I called was after drinking a bottle of rum left over from a holiday party. I wanted to ask Tom if Yetta could make a guest appearance sometime. Then I think I said the eff word because I'd been watching sopranos and forgot that it's illegal to say the eff word. Tom hung up on me and so I called back 11-20 times. Then Tom got on the phone off the air and yelled at me for bothering Mike. Tom scared me. I thought I wouldn't ever call again except the next week to appologize for being a huge jerk. But then a FOT told me that my calls would be good if I were more sincere*. So I decided that I would make sincere and very bad calls every week until I was banned from making calls.
*Sincere=Insincere
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I sincerely love your calls, Julie, but I am also sincerely concerned for your liver.
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I sincerely love your calls, Julie, but I am also sincerely concerned for your liver.
That's nice! But don't worry. I don't remember drinking as much as I say I do. Sometimes, I gargle with tequila before going home from work. I want to find out if my husband really can't stand me when I'm drunk or if he really can't stand me. The numbers aren't looking good, but my liver will be fine.
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My first call was like a "rookie hitting a double," as Tom put it. It was a pre-topic call about John From Cincinnati. I have an actor friend who was on the show and told me that David Milch seemed to be making the show up as he went along, which fit in with Tom's assessment. I haven't been able to really live up to that first call - I since made 3 on-topic calls that were all pretty lackluster. I think I just don't think fast enough for the topics.
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My first call was like a "rookie hitting a double," as Tom put it. It was a pre-topic call about John From Cincinnati. I have an actor friend who was on the show and told me that David Milch seemed to be making the show up as he went along, which fit in with Tom's assessment. I haven't been able to really live up to that first call - I since made 3 on-topic calls that were all pretty lackluster. I think I just don't think fast enough for the topics.
Jason, maybe you should make up your own topic and call about that. It would be interesting and you wouldn't have to think fast if you already knew what to say.
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Jason, maybe you should make up your own topic and call about that. It would be interesting and you wouldn't have to think fast if you already knew what to say.
We can't all have your gifts, Julie.
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Jason, maybe you should make up your own topic and call about that. It would be interesting and you wouldn't have to think fast if you already knew what to say.
We can't all have your gifts, Julie.
It's not a gift, it's a curse.
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haha "11-20" times, that made me laugh out loud.
Julie, you started off as a contender for m(utant)oty, but in my book you're rookie of the year all the way now.
My schedule is kind of weird, and the last couple months I've finally been able to just sit and listen live, it's kind of an event now (thank you streaming xbox 360 technology!) where me and the missus sit around and laugh for 2.5 or so hours instead of watching awful tv. Part of me wants to call in sometimes, but most of the time I get that feeling is when I listen to an archived show - I STILL want to call in last August when Tom and Patton where going on about comic artists and the whole spending such and such hours drawing one perfect bicep, just for the reader to glance over the image with barely a notice. I'm not sure what I would have said had I called, but I know what they are talking about and it's really effing depressing.
I'm moving to the west coast very soon, which will possibly make listening live a little different/difficult, but I think I am close to making a call. I am sure there is a nervousness there, but I am pretty good with talking to strangers etc, and I think I could contribute too. As long as I didn't accidentally slip any toilet-talk in there - yikes.
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mine was pretty terrible. I guess my cell phone exploded or something while my (admittedly questionable) topic was ridiculed. Yeah.
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I had my first call thrust upon me on this past Tuesday when Tom was talking about people leaving messes in movie theaters. My wife and her best friend decided that since I had worked in a movie theater for a few years that I would have some TBSOWFMU-worthy stories to tell, and the next thing I know the phone is thrust into my hand after our friend tells AP Mike that since I had worked in a movie theater for a few years that I would have some stories to tell (this was her first time listening so she doesn't know the quality of calls that Tom expects*). I had to tell Mike that I did not have any stories (only 'cause I freeze up when I'm put on the spot and although I do have a Ted Leo/movie theater story, it didn't fit in with the whole "people are animals" theme that Tom was running with) and I apologized for wasting his time and told him that I hope he get's to be mayor. Ew bouy. :-[
*but often doesn't get, and I didn't want to be a part of that. I'll call when I have something to contribute.
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My first call was during the "getting to know you" thing. It was relatively uneventful, except I had to declare who my LEAST favorite Beatle was (I discovered to my surprise that it was actually Paul). Later, I heard the call on the podcast, and thought my voice sounded more pleasant than I thought it did.
I'd call again but I don't really feel like I have much to say. Every now and then, I can be vaguely witty, but why should I waste Tom's time waiting for a tiny bit of wit to slip out? I just like to sit back and let the rest of you more snappy folks entertain me.
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unforunately, i dont think i'll ever call in. ive always had this fear that i wont know what's going on. once the phone rings, i turn the radio way down, then i fear that something will have happened that ive now missed, and WHO. CARES.
i miss Officer Tom.
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actually, it's very clever. you can hear the show over the phone. i was pleased about this when i called.
technology!
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thanks, Beth. this is nice to know. i dont want to be the dope with the delay playing in the background.
now i just need something to say; it'll fall into my lap eventually, im sure...years down the line.
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I called in for the first time last week. Had nothing for the topic, but thought I'd contribute some Pete Seeger-related material. If it was a rookie's first at-bat, I'd call it a foul out behind the third base bag.
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I called in for the first time last week. Had nothing for the topic, but thought I'd contribute some Pete Seeger-related material. If it was a rookie's first at-bat, I'd call it a foul out behind the third base bag.
I feel like you definitely put the ball in play.
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One of these days I'll make that fateful call...I imagine the weight of dialing is going to feel like the scene in The Rock when the President picks up the phone and orders the attack on Alcatraz. And then I'll flame out. Hard.
Why is this so nerve wracking?!
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what's nerve racking is wanting to call into the show and not having anything productive to say; the day will come, so im not too worried about it.
although, when it comes to firsts, for anyone who hasnt called the show yet, do you think it would be less nerve racking to actually meet Tom in person instead.
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I am sure the difference between "real Tom" and "radio Tom" is wide enough to drive an Amish horse cart through.
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that's possible.
the reason i ask is because i don't really have an opinion on this and the likelihood of me calling in or meeting Tom is slim to none.
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that's possible.
the reason i ask is because i don't really have an opinion on this and the likelihood of me calling in or meeting Tom is slim to none.
Awww, share yourself with the faithful! We want to hear a voice!!! Who's with me on this?
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I feel like meeting somebody is way easier than to just "meet" them on the phone. Example:
I work at a Best Buy in Boston and one day I was walking my department and saw none other than Brendon Small looking at TVs. I had a minor freak out as I am a huge fan of Home Movies and his other work and decided I should go up to say hi and just say I really enjoyed his work and hopefully not bother him too much. Bear in mind, I'm a pretty shy guy, so for me to decide to go up to do that was kind of a big deal for me.
...of course he got a phone call right as I was about to say something and he was on it for 20 minutes and somebody grabbed me with questions.
BUT I DIGRESS. I am way more nervous to "step up to the plate" on the show than I imagine I would be if I saw Tom in person.
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Awww, share yourself with the faithful! We want to hear a voice!!! Who's with me on this?
Seconded!
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OK, all things working out, I am calling on Tuesday. I have something to contribute.
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One of these days I'll make that fateful call...I imagine the weight of dialing is going to feel like the scene in The Rock when the President picks up the phone and orders the attack on Alcatraz. And then I'll flame out. Hard.
Why is this so nerve wracking?!
Somehow I think Spike never had this problem.
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It's ok to want to invite Mr. Belvedere over for dinner. It's not ok to want to keep Mr. Belvedere in a jar in your basement.
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It's ok to want to invite Mr. Belvedere over for dinner. It's not ok to want to keep Mr. Belvedere in a jar in your basement.
...Brocktoon?
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OK, all things working out, I am calling on Tuesday. I have something to contribute.
one day, this will happen to me. in the meantime, i remain an internet loudmouth.
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I came, I saw, I flopped, life moves on, ground is unshaken. Try again in a few months!
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I came, I saw, I flopped, life moves on, ground is unshaken. Try again in a few months!
Next time, don't use a fake accent. Tom sees right through those.
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I came, I saw, I flopped, life moves on, ground is unshaken. Try again in a few months!
Next time, don't use a fake accent. Tom sees right through those.
Hah. That was/is my voice!
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Next time, don't use a fake accent. Tom sees right through those.
Fortunately for me, Philly Boy didn't see through mine.
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It's too bad I was busy this past Tuesday night, cause I could have made a half decent first call re: Oh, Family! This one happened to me when home for the holidays.
While sitting in front of the fire by the Xmas tree, discussing the Bernie Madoff scandal with my uncle, he pointed out that it was especially astounding that the guy had convinced a bunch of 'Jewish groups' (not sure who he was talking about) to invest, because 'they're pretty clever about money'.
What does one do in these situations? I just excused myself to go get some more tea, literally thinking to myself, 'Oh Family!'
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Many of my "Oh family" stories are heartbreakingly racist, so I just didn't bring it up.
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I just finished off the last hour of the most recent podcast and now I'm truly thankful I didn't call in with my mildly amusing little tale of anti-semitism -- nothing could compete with the mighty Hugman.
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Oh boy. Thank you crumbum. I could write a novel about my first call. That was probably the hardest phone call I ever had to make (and I once had to call a friend of mine's secret agent dad and apologize for another friend prank calling his house so said secret agent dad wouldn't tell my dad - I was about 11 years old and s.e.d. didn't tell m.d.). Seriously, my wife had to help me build up the courage to call in.
Tom taking umbrage at my nickname was like getting clocked coming right out of the corner. I did not see that coming and it threw me for a loop, but I think it helped me to be present in the call and focus on telling my story so that this nickname that I love would not sully one of my favorite things. It should also be said that I hadn't heard the first hour or so and I was completely unaware of Tom's whole "if you say you're nervous I'll take it easy on you" thing and about five people before me mentioning how nervous they were.
I shook for the rest of the show, and upon listening to the podcast, started sweating just like I was making the call. I've subsequently listened to it until it stopped making me sweat (about the fourth time). I find all this kind of amusing because I'm an actor and don't get nearly this worked up shooting something or watching it on tv. I guess I just love The Best Show so much I didn't wanna blow it.
I'll stop now. Thrills for sure.
PS-I've probably analyzed the call way more than anyone else would and should probably let it lie, but I do know the difference between a prologue and an epilogue.
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I shook for the rest of the show, and upon listening to the podcast, started sweating just like I was making the call. I've subsequently listened to it until it stopped making me sweat (about the fourth time). I find all this kind of amusing because I'm an actor and don't get nearly this worked up shooting something or watching it on tv.
You just nailed this thread for me, hugman. I still cannot for the life of me figure out why being a random caller on this radio show is infinitely more intimidating than acting in front of an actual audience, or even doing improv (which I'm not good at). Those moments spent waiting for the static indication that you are now on Tom's air are some of the most terrifying minutes possible!
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Oh boy. Thank you crumbum. I could write a novel about my first call. That was probably the hardest phone call I ever had to make (and I once had to call a friend of mine's secret agent dad and apologize for another friend prank calling his house so said secret agent dad wouldn't tell my dad - I was about 11 years old and s.e.d. didn't tell m.d.). Seriously, my wife had to help me build up the courage to call in.
Tom taking umbrage at my nickname was like getting clocked coming right out of the corner. I did not see that coming and it threw me for a loop, but I think it helped me to be present in the call and focus on telling my story so that this nickname that I love would not sully one of my favorite things. It should also be said that I hadn't heard the first hour or so and I was completely unaware of Tom's whole "if you say you're nervous I'll take it easy on you" thing and about five people before me mentioning how nervous they were.
I shook for the rest of the show, and upon listening to the podcast, started sweating just like I was making the call. I've subsequently listened to it until it stopped making me sweat (about the fourth time). I find all this kind of amusing because I'm an actor and don't get nearly this worked up shooting something or watching it on tv. I guess I just love The Best Show so much I didn't wanna blow it.
I'll stop now. Thrills for sure.
PS-I've probably analyzed the call way more than anyone else would and should probably let it lie, but I do know the difference between a prologue and an epilogue.
You were awesome, Hugman. A natural.
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I have to say, "Oh family" was the perfect topic to dip your toe in the waters. Lots of leeway from Tom. I was down 0-2 but wound up getting a laugh out of Tom. Well worth it!
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The Hugman call was one of the few times I've actually gone back to a podcast to listen to a real call a second time. I've even played it for a friend. The drama of Tom coming around on the nickname, and the story itself. it's all so great.
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tonite's my second chance to call in. but if PFT is going to be there...maybe too much for the first time.
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Paul brings out the devil in Tom, no doubt.
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Paul brings out the devil in Tom, no doubt.
You're telling me. I have phone anxiety to begin with, but I actually had something for the topic for the first time while listening live, a heartfelt "I was wrong and I'm sorry." I was talking to dead air for three seconds (the heartfelt part) before I realized I had been hung up on after Tom "forgave" me.
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Lotsa new calls this past show (01/20/2009). Anyone on here?
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I remember first calling man back in 2005, around the Roadhouse experience. I was super nervous for a game of "ask me ask you". The second time Tom totally set me off course talking about the Coachella Festival which I had just gone to but hadn't enjoyed too much thanks to dehydration and $3.00 warm water.
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Lotsa new calls this past show (01/20/2009). Anyone on here?
Yeah, the last few shows have seen alot of great moments from people who don't normally call in. This is no slight to regular callers, but I would rather hear that then have the show drop an hour on how "The Gang" is doing (I am not excusing myself from this.)
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Spoony, why hast thou forsaken me?
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Lotsa new calls this past show (01/20/2009). Anyone on here?
Yeah, the last few shows have seen alot of great moments from people who don't normally call in. This is no slight to regular callers, but I would rather hear that then have the show drop an hour on how "The Gang" is doing (I am not excusing myself from this.)
The Forum demands the thoughts of the man with the "1000 fights" anecdote!
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It's a few pages back on this very thread. thanks for askin'.
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Some successful first calls tonight. Let's hear the behind the scenes. The great thing about successful first calls is they can give you some juice on the boards.
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Sara called from the office while I fried bacon in the kitchen. She can tell you about her experience, but I know that I was so nervous for her I found myself shaking at one point.
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Sara called from the office while I fried bacon in the kitchen. She can tell you about her experience, but I know that I was so nervous for her I found myself shaking at one point.
Haha, aww.
I was very nervous! I intended to avoid mentioning the name of the club I sneaked into, but then it came tumbling out of my mouth, oops. I guess it can't hurt anything now, right? ...Right?
It was nice when Tom told me to relax and asked me to call back. I guess that means I did okay, yeah? So relieved I didn't get heave-ho'd!
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So I've been listening to the show since 2005, and finally decided to call in for the first time last night.
I dazzled Tom with my impersonation of him, then HEAVE HO'd myself as him before he had a chance to. He said the impression was "sick"!
I actually felt really bad about hanging up afterward, because he was so nice for the duration of the call, but... there's a little thing called commitment, and the bit needed it to ring true. I didn't hear anything about an 11-year ban, so hopefully he'll have an opportunity to GOMP me in the near future.
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Believe it or not, I can barely remember my first call. I was just happy I didn't get GOMPed!
Second call, during Paul F. Tompkins recent visit, was much more successful.
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Some successful first calls tonight. Let's hear the behind the scenes. The great thing about successful first calls is they can give you some juice on the boards.
I watched this fish out of water business and I approve.
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My first call I was super nervous because I was the first caller for the New Regime. I had some ideas in my head of stuff I was going to say, but when Mike picked up my mind blanked. I couldn't think of anything to say so I told him I wanted to request a song thinking I wouldn't get through. I got put through anyway, but Mike told Tom I had a song request, so I was committed.
Here's a quote from the recidivism recap (http://www.recidivism.org/2008/05/shredding_regimes.html) which describes the actual call way better than I can.
"Associate Producer Mike intrigues Tom with the promise of a caller who wants to make an unspecified song request. Tom takes the call because he sometimes likes to make young men happy by playing a song on the radio.
- Alvaro from Westchester, PA, requests Wellwater Conspiracy's "Born With A Tail." Tom is pretty sure that somebody loaded the Wellwater catalog into the WFMU .n3p library. Alvaro is a big fan of the band, and his request comes from Brotherhood of Electric: Operational Directives, which is one of his favorite albums of all-time. Tom agrees that it's good stuff. He asks Alvaro if he wants to hear the track now. Alvaro says it's up to Tom because it's his show. Tom appreciates the leeway and says he's got it cued up at #12 in Computer B. Alvaro wants to say one last thing, but Tom doesn't let him because he's the ruler of a New Regime."
The thing I was going to say was how much I love the show. I make sure to get that stuff out early and not call pretopic unless I have something very specific to say(which I usually write down now).
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I totally want to call, but I almost always miss the first couple hours of the live show. I always listen to the whole thing on podcast.
Any tips for calling in late?
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I totally want to call, but I almost always miss the first couple hours of the live show. I always listen to the whole thing on podcast.
Any tips for calling in late?
Make sure you know the topic or know something you want to ask the guest or Tom. Tell him you're nervous and let him know you missed the beginning of the show.
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I totally want to call, but I almost always miss the first couple hours of the live show. I always listen to the whole thing on podcast.
Any tips for calling in late?
Use a fake voice.
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I totally want to call, but I almost always miss the first couple hours of the live show. I always listen to the whole thing on podcast.
Any tips for calling in late?
Tom loves clever "bits"; a funny accent or a funny "take" always bowls him over!
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I totally want to call, but I almost always miss the first couple hours of the live show. I always listen to the whole thing on podcast.
Any tips for calling in late?
Tom loves clever "bits"; a funny accent or a funny "take" always bowls him over!
Also, Tom loves it when, rather than contributing to the topic, people call to promote their band/comedy troupe/podcast/etc. He's always eager to give the little guy a boost (unless the little guy is, say, Timmy Von Trimble)!
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Thanks, everybody! Great tips.
Maybe I'll call about my theoretical band - The Blynd Snyperz.
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Yea, this semester has me at the campus art house doin pottery from 8:30- 10:00pm. By the time I get home, it's half an hour till the show's end, and I am always scared to call in because I don't feel familiar enough with the topic by that point. Gah!
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My first call was last week, and I was nervous as all get out. I intend to call back this week just to make myself do it. I think I did okay, even after listening to the podcast. Tom asked me to call back. Talking to my wife about it, I said that it was kind of like a new relationship. I wanted to call back, but I didn't want to call back too soon. I was positively giddy after the call, though.
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I have now called twice. I think I'm going to be sick. Nerves!
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I called in tonight with the "Cup and Ball" 1-upper for the topic. I said I wasn't nervous because I thought I do a mind over matter thing. I've called into radio before, but Best Show is a different beast. I think it could have been worse, but my on-phone persona surely sounded like a dull 4th grader. I totally missed Tom 1-upping me and fell of the horse.
But what did I do? I got back on. I think the second half of the call was better.
It's funny though, on one of the other radio shows I call into I call in as "Pete from North Carolina" which is a Seth Galifianakis-esque character, and I can go for 15-20 minutes on that show without missing a beat as a character, but as myself, I slip-up. Maybe the whole being genuine thing isn't for me.
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Talking to my wife about it, . . . .
Surely this is more the kind of thing one discusses with one's pastor.
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I got bumped for Wurster and one of my things for the topic (best/worst events of the 20th century) happened after 2000.
I'll try next week if I don't see any good coffins on coffins.com
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i thought tonight's first time callers did well.
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i thought tonight's first time callers did well.
I can only hope this includes me...I called regarding "Crystal Pepsi" and "The New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy" and was promptly "Heave Ho'd". First time, I've wanted to call in for 3 years, I was nervous, and did better I THINK than I actually thought I'd do. Whatever. Nervewracking. Intense. Necessary. I loved it.
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i thought tonight's first time callers did well.
I can only hope this includes me...I called regarding "Crystal Pepsi" and "The New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy" and was promptly "Heave Ho'd". First time, I've wanted to call in for 3 years, I was nervous, and did better I THINK than I actually thought I'd do. Whatever. Nervewracking. Intense. Necessary. I loved it.
That was a good first call. I was on hold during your call and I got a good laugh.
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i thought tonight's first time callers did well.
I can only hope this includes me...I called regarding "Crystal Pepsi" and "The New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy" and was promptly "Heave Ho'd". First time, I've wanted to call in for 3 years, I was nervous, and did better I THINK than I actually thought I'd do. Whatever. Nervewracking. Intense. Necessary. I loved it.
That was a good first call. I was on hold during your call and I got a good laugh.
Oh man, that's good to hear. Now let's see if I ever get the courage again!
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crystal pepsi was a good contribution. a refreshing change of pace from all the births of or records came outs.
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Just listened to the podcast. Listening to myself...oh man that was rough. Definitely need to iron out the kinks next time...or at least not laugh so much at myself. I sounded like Clark, for Petey's sake!
Weird sensation though, listening to your own call. HOW DO YOU GUYS DO IT EVERY WEEK?!
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I got through my first call a couple of weeks ago when Patton Oswalt was in the studio. I called in about the ad in Rolling Stone where David Crosby was selling his boat, The Mayan.
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I flipped through Rolling Stone looking for that ad, and then I took a picture of it for posterity.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3331175829_98f75c6382.jpg)
It's a bit blurry because I was using my phone and trying to hurry. But I think the message comes through: David Crosby is the dumbest member of CSNY.
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i called for the first time a few weeks ago. tom said it was pretty good, but that mike said it was the worst call of the year.
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What'd you say?
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i called to talk about this comedian i had seen the night before on comedy central but could not remember the name and i think tom was more interested in talking about rush because they guy before me was a big rush fan so it was a lot me going "mmhmm....sure....yeah....i don't know... yeah.... mmmhmm.... listening to it later, it was actually pretty funny. i fancied the idea of being a paul shaffer to the letterman that is tom scharpling.
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i called to talk about this comedian i had seen the night before on comedy central but could not remember the name and i think tom was more interested in talking about rush because they guy before me was a big rush fan so it was a lot me going "mmhmm....sure....yeah....i don't know... yeah.... mmmhmm.... listening to it later, it was actually pretty funny. i fancied the idea of being a paul shaffer to the letterman that is tom scharpling.
Funny... That was MY first call!
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I honestly think I might be one of the longest lurkers in Best Show history (listening since '03, never called once!). It's not nerves but the acknowledgment of Tom's hatred for crappy phones that's kept me silent all these years. One day I will buy a big-boy phone, though, and ohhhhh buddy, it'll be on!
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I'm a long time/first time as of last night and think I did a fairly poor job especially since I called so early in the show. Kind of a snooze after Julie's flight of fancy and Ted Leo story. At least I didn't get HH'd
(I'm Jern/Jarren/Jaron/The Poor Man's Zac Effron)
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I'm a long time/first time as of last night and think I did a fairly poor job especially since I called so early in the show. Kind of a snooze after Julie's flight of fancy and Ted Leo story. At least I didn't get HH'd
(I'm Jern/Jarren/Jaron/The Poor Man's Zac Effron)
I thought that was a good call. Great job!
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I'm a long time/first time as of last night and think I did a fairly poor job especially since I called so early in the show. Kind of a snooze after Julie's flight of fancy and Ted Leo story. At least I didn't get HH'd
(I'm Jern/Jarren/Jaron/The Poor Man's Zac Effron)
Good job Jarren, although I think maybe that's my name now. You can call yourself, I don't know, Jaron.
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My first call was like most of my calls. Serviceable. Told Tom that The Mountain Goats were singing his praises on stage. Tom liked that, but the conversation didn't really go anywhere. Not a home run, not a total strike out. A walk, maybe.
But I think it was like my fourth call and I had started building a nice, friendly rapport with Tom. Then I said something that made no sense without more explanation - plus I was clearly trying too hard to be funny - and he said "What?" in that high-pitched "what's wrong with you" kind of way, followed by "You flamed out." Then he ended the call quietly. It was worse than a GOMP.
I walked around for an entire week like Kate Beckinsale had broken up with me. It was a true low point.
But to those of you who are new to calling. Do not despair. Look at the arcs of Julie, Steve in North Hollywood, and countless others who used to be GOMP fodder and are now preferred callers. And I myself, and my littler way, also experienced redemption. I pulled myself out of the "flamed out" wreck and got my fan fiction read on the air by Tommy Tornado himself. And who knows? Next week, I will probably get heaved ho and start at square one again.
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I'm starting to think that the majority of fanatical FOTs (myself included) have daddy issues. much like the character W. in the movie "W."
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i called in for the first time (after, what, at least 2 1/2 years of listening every week?) last night. i was the "andrew in pennsylvania" after the (top notch) wurster call -- to my mild amazement, it wasn't a total disaster. when tom took my call i was completely taken aback -- i was caught up in the saga of brushman vs. tom and wasn't sure whether or not i was on the air initially, leading to a shaky start.
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So far, my calls have displayed, what I think economists call, diminishing returns.
First, I was told by Tom that I made a home run with my (on topic) call saying that the show "Two and a Half Men" would work better as a cereal commercial.
Second, acquitted myself un-embarrassingly whilst ranting about the last Indiana Jones movie.
Then, a really sad call offering a just terribly awkward lyric for that Ted Leo and The Pharmacists song about the world going into the terlet. (The lesson to me from this call is this: Sometimes, you may wind up on hold for such a long time that your idea's moment will have passed by. My advice in this situation is cut your losses and hang up.)
And most recently tonight, which I don't want to think about too much (a kind of ill-conceived effort to volunteer reporting on the Mighty Boosh Bash).
The moral of the story is: If you are nervous about calling in, wait for a topic you can nail and call on topic. Don't let the fact that you've listened to the show a lot and/or have exchanged a few emails with the host lull you into lazy or overly casual chumminess. This is the Best Show, so you have to rise to the occasion a bit and/or at least be humble.
Alternately, you can just blither through and keep shamelessly calling until you get a weird familial or bar-regular type status.
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I gotta say, one of the reasons I stopped calling (aside from the "rarely get the chance to listen live anymore" thing) is the fact that I'd get a decentish answer for the topic, but then I'd realize during the call that I had no real solid idea about where to take it, seeing as how my contributions were typically kind of short and self-explanatory. That, and my voice makes Mike Nelson sound like Mike Patton.
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I gotta say, one of the reasons I stopped calling (aside from the "rarely get the chance to listen live anymore" thing) is the fact that I'd get a decentish answer for the topic, but then I'd realize during the call that I had no real solid idea about where to take it, seeing as how my contributions were typically kind of short and self-explanatory. That, and my voice makes Mike Nelson sound like Mike Patton.
I much prefer a short and to the point topic answer than the "Blah Blah Blah" versions any day of the week, if your contribution is golden, it could spin-off in to a infamy, if not, at least you're in the podcast.
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Speaking for myself, if I've got something that might run long, I write an outline. I know that sounds cheesy but I'm horrible on the phone and I get mush-mouthy and distracted easily.
Of course, the outline usually gets crumpled up and thrown in the trash half-way through because no call ever goes where you think it will.
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(14 Apr 09)
I was way too nervous for my own good, but I don't think I humiliated myself by suggesting that Michael Chiklis should play Curly Joe DeRita and that "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" wasn't my favorite thing ever. But I didn't choke. I don't choke, darn it.
(Though I haven't called since and am back to being a chatrat)
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Just called in tonight, got to KFC nightmare foods with Patton Oswalt. Such an immense pleasure. I think I did okay, I was probably trying a bit too hard. I was worried that I'd be GOMPed when Tom didn't latch onto my suggestion that "lucky" would be in the Japanese name for the Double Down Sandwich, but Patton rolled with it.
I'm going to be selective about calling in on future shows. I don't want to spoil a decent start. I do have a good Celebrity Look-alike Insult story, so I might try and get that one in before that topic fades into true irrelevance.
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I'm going to be selective about calling in on future shows. I don't want to spoil a decent start. I do have a good Celebrity Look-alike Insult story, so I might try and get that one in before that topic fades into true irrelevance.
I think that's already happened. I don't know why that's become a topic that keeps going and going when there's really only a couple possible responses: either A)that's horrible, what does your friend look like, do they realize they have no business saying that or B) oh, poor baby you were called the poor man's Jude Law, heave ho.
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Just called in tonight, got to KFC nightmare foods with Patton Oswalt. Such an immense pleasure. I think I did okay, I was probably trying a bit too hard. I was worried that I'd be GOMPed when Tom didn't latch onto my suggestion that "lucky" would be in the Japanese name for the Double Down Sandwich, but Patton rolled with it.
As soon as I heard "Greg from Omaha" I was wondering if it was dukerayburn. I liked your call, except for the fact that it lead to me seeing a picture of that "sandwich", which was one of the most unappetizing sights ever.
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Just called in tonight, got to KFC nightmare foods with Patton Oswalt. Such an immense pleasure. I think I did okay, I was probably trying a bit too hard. I was worried that I'd be GOMPed when Tom didn't latch onto my suggestion that "lucky" would be in the Japanese name for the Double Down Sandwich, but Patton rolled with it.
As soon as I heard "Greg from Omaha" I was wondering if it was dukerayburn. I liked your call, except for the fact that it lead to me seeing a picture of that "sandwich", which was one of the most unappetizing sights ever.
If this is the same call I'm thinking of, I liked the line about ... what was it, something like: "I don't think sauce should be named after a dude".
Sage words.
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That was me, yes. I was also worried at that point that Tom might GOMP me for turlet talk, but he let it slide. It's a valid concern.
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Greg, great call. The chicken thing still haunts my dreams.
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Thank you, Pastor Josh! That means a lot coming from you. You're probably my favorite Normal who calls in regularly.
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Thank you, Pastor Josh! That means a lot coming from you. You're probably my favorite Normal who calls in regularly.
Wow, I thought I was in Spike/Fredericks territory with SCUMMForce and all that. I thought maybe I was coming across as weirder than I am. Thanks, man.
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Made my first call last night (Paul, calling in from The Iron Monkey). Although it won't make anyone's Hall of Fame (except mine), I felt ok about it. I saw Tom at the party afterwards and thanked him for being so nice for my first call. He told me I did great, not because I did, but because he is.
BEST SHOW FOR LIFE!
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That was a fine first effort, pscan.
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Made my first call last night (Paul, calling in from The Iron Monkey). Although it won't make anyone's Hall of Fame (except mine), I felt ok about it. I saw Tom at the party afterwards and thanked him for being so nice for my first call. He told me I did great, not because I did, but because he is.
BEST SHOW FOR LIFE!
Well done, Paul. Glad you had the guts to do it...the rest of us were wimps. At one point Purple Shirt put a ringing phone in my hand, but I got spooked. Someday.
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I won't own up to which it was specifically, but I made my first call this summer and I kind of choked, both out of nerves and because Tom's voice sounded incredibly different over the phone, which got me confused. Anyone else experience this?
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Someday I'll call again...someday...
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I won't own up to which it was specifically, but I made my first call this summer and I kind of choked, both out of nerves and because Tom's voice sounded incredibly different over the phone, which got me confused. Anyone else experience this?
I've found he sounds bigger and closer on the phone.
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I won't own up to which it was specifically, but I made my first call this summer and I kind of choked, both out of nerves and because Tom's voice sounded incredibly different over the phone, which got me confused. Anyone else experience this?
Yeah. I'm actually not super-nervous about talking in public or anything like that (trust me, I massage, maintain, & groom plenty of other neuroses - I ain't bragging about not having this one), but it's disorienting holding a convo over the phone w/a person whose voice you're used to hearing over the radio - that public voice is suddenly speaking and responding to things you are saying. I had the same thing with AP Mike too when I would start out the call. I think the first time I called I barely remembered to say hello to him before he put me on line to Tom.
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I was several calls in before my nerve subsided enough that I remembered to be polite to Mike, and not just ask to be transferred to Tom. I've come to think of talking to Mike as one of the best parts of calling in.
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I'm calling tomorrow.
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I won't own up to which it was specifically, but I made my first call this summer and I kind of choked, both out of nerves and because Tom's voice sounded incredibly different over the phone, which got me confused. Anyone else experience this?
Yeah. I'm actually not super-nervous about talking in public or anything like that (trust me, I massage, maintain, & groom plenty of other neuroses - I ain't bragging about not having this one), but it's disorienting holding a convo over the phone w/a person whose voice you're used to hearing over the radio - that public voice is suddenly speaking and responding to things you are saying. I had the same thing with AP Mike too when I would start out the call. I think the first time I called I barely remembered to say hello to him before he put me on line to Tom.
My experience with Mr. Scharpling has been very similar to Auntie's. Mike, however, is another story. His voice and demeanor are so similar to one of of my oldest (not in years) friends, I felt quite comfortable with him immediately.
Until.... he started asking me if I used to call and just talk to him, not go on the air. He said the guy was from Florida and sounded just like me. I still think he may be messing with me.
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Haven't call yet - not sure when/if I will. First off, I will need to listen to the show live. Right now I'm podcasting it. If the topic is one I feel I can contribute to while remaining Hard G, then I will.
I know I'd be nervous as hell, though.
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Haven't call yet - not sure when/if I will. First off, I will need to listen to the show live. Right now I'm podcasting it. If the topic is one I feel I can contribute to while remaining Hard G, then I will.
I know I'd be nervous as hell, though.
You're missing all the hot music, new guy!
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Haven't call yet - not sure when/if I will. First off, I will need to listen to the show live. Right now I'm podcasting it. If the topic is one I feel I can contribute to while remaining Hard G, then I will.
I know I'd be nervous as hell, though.
My first call was cold. I wasn't listening live yet, but I wanted to call in. That got me hooked. I don;t think Tom minds as long as you are, in fact, contributing something.
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Someday I plan on calling in myself. I'm a new listener (I am finally caught up on all the podcasts and listened live for the first time last week) and definitely want to contribute to the show. I suppose my biggest fear is accidentally overstepping the "hard G" boundary.
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My first and so far only call, went fairly well until someone kept calling my house phone over and over until Tom told me to pick it up and hung up on me. I never forgave the person calling.
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I mentioned that this past week's show was my first call on another thread. So, quickly, I will add that, even though I had been a college radio DJ for 7 years (from 1990 to 1997), I wasn't prepared for being a nervous wreck when I knew I went on the air on The Best Show. I winged it, made things awkwarded, then gomped. Now i know.
But yeah, that first call is important, because you realize how prepared or unprepared you really are... even if you've been in front of live audiences regularly or not. Unless you're a seasoned stand up comedian (or comediANNE), just buck up and accept your likely fate the first time. :)
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I mentioned that this past week's show was my first call on another thread. So, quickly, I will add that, even though I had been a college radio DJ for 7 years (from 1990 to 1997), I wasn't prepared for being a nervous wreck when I knew I went on the air on The Best Show. I winged it, made things awkwarded, then gomped. Now i know.
But yeah, that first call is important, because you realize how prepared or unprepared you really are... even if you've been in front of live audiences regularly or not. Unless you're a seasoned stand up comedian (or comediANNE), just buck up and accept your likely fate the first time. :)
well, if you were a college radio DJ, you shouldn't be nervous calling up a high school radio station...
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well, one Best Show episode gets more international listeners than most college radio stations do in an entire year. OK, maybe that's hyperbolic, but Best Show is pretty popular. And I certainly don't mean to put other college radio stations down! But even before the internet, I had heard of WFMU in southern California, before anyone there could hope to listen to it... add Best Show to that, and you have a phenomenon. So, yeah, there is a major factor there you're leaving off, scratchbomb. :)
Also, it's far less settling to be on the air on the phone than it is to be in a studio where you can (usually) sit down and relax, talk to real people sometimes, be the controller behind the helm and all that.
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My first call was two weeks ago, although to be fair it was to the Mike and Therese Show. I was insanely nervous. I was streaming the show on my phone, so when I called obviously the streaming stopped and I had NO IDEA what was happening on the air from that point until my call was taken.
It went pretty crappily, I think. I called about a bad date I had in college - went to see Braveheart, had a nosebleed and then had my car broken into.
My problem was that sometimes I would talk over Therese because I couldn't hear her very well. I sounded like a bit of a jack ass.
Calling Tom would make me even more nervous, although it is encouraging to hear that I can at least hear the show while I'm on hold. I'll call when/if I have something to add.
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Good work, Chad. It was nice having a glimpse into Milo's world.
Also, I thought it was really funny a couple of weeks ago when Milo nervously asserted that "you're not that kind of people" - i.e., the kind that normally shop at Wal-Mart.
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Milo's Dad, you did very well.
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I just called in. I was the guy with the terrible phone reception who then called-in a second time to apologize on a better sounding line.
It was fun, if not a little embarrassing and nerve-inducing. Because I had a funny story to share with him I wish I had an actual conversation with Tom, but it was still fun to have him sing his own version of "Roll Over Beethoven" to me over-the-phone. I also liked saying the words "Professor Scharpling Takes a Sabbatical" to him.
I chalk it up to a "Fun Spill" and I will call-in again!
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Rhymes with Draper, last night was my first too. Usually I've got nothing, so I just sit and listen. But I thought if he really wants to start a band, I could actually offer something, even though I'd be probably about 10 deep in line for drummers he could use. Ah well, he sang Vampire Weekend to me. It was nice.
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Yes, it is strangely nice to have Tom sing to you over the phone the first time you speak to him.
I have a good story to tell Tom and I was hoping to get to that, but it'll have to wait another Tuesday night.
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Aw man. Reading this whole thread has cheered me right up after my first couple of calls (Peter/Paydirt/Paydah from Tasmania). I guess they didn't go so badly (stuttering aside) but I am a little bit privately embarrassed that I sent Tom an email after my first call apologising for my phone dropping out. Then called straightaway after my second call to apologise to Mike for my phone dropping out. Turns out my phone didn't drop out! :-[
My partner made the sensible point after my last call that naming some bands that Tom might like probably wouldn't be especially interesting for, y'know, everybody else listening. And I have resolved, if I call again, to skip the part where I explain how nervous (or not) I am and how I'm not listening to the show live. Anything else I should keep in mind? I've considered asking Mike what everyone's been talking about, but I don't want to take up too much of his time. Thoughts?
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Dear Dirt. I would suggest something along the lines of:
"Hello Michael. I hope you are well. Is there a topic? Put me on hold please. Thank you, mate."
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"Thomas speaks highly of you."
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Paydirt! Nice to see you on the board. Just call from a good connection, be yourself and know that pretty much all of us have been gomped or hung up on.
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My first call to BS was on June 8, 2010. I had thought of this idea earlier in the week (a sign of a BAD idea) and called in once the music portion of the show ended. The Black Hollies band was becoming very well known, yet did not have their own Wikipedia page, and I wanted to challenge the listeners to see if someone would do it before 11:30 that night, otherwise I would start one. I had never called in to a radio show before, so everything was very new to me. I was surprised that such a popular show had only one line going in--I kept getting busy signals every time I dialed. After almost 10 minutes trying I decided to try 3 more times to see if I could get through.
Finally I heard ringing at the 2nd of those attempts. Mike answered but mumbled "MHTIMST"? (FOTs say Mike answers as "Best Show?") He vetted me, asked if I had something for the topic, which I didn't - it was just announced a few minutes before when I was still trying to dial. Suddenly I heard the show over my phone, jumped forward in time without the radio Delay! I switched to speakerphone because I was on hold for like a half-hour or something, always answering "Hello, Tom?" after every "'FMU, you're on the air". Eventually he got to me, and I was so excited. I listened to the Archive days after to listen to my call objectively, and actually I handled it well for the first half, but while I was waiting to call in I never thought about whether my call would make good radio. When that idea flopped, I made the second mistake of not having any backup idea. I floundered on the air, and Tom mercifully killed that call.
My phone was off the hook before I figured that out, so I turned up my computer speakers again to hear his "commentary": I didn't mind being called "Willy Wonka" because I love the movies and my unreasonable request kind of fits into that, but what really hurt was 10 seconds or so of DEAD AIR before he moved on to other calls. I love the BS and wanted to be a part of it, instead I fucked up even after I went off; I realize how bad dead air is in radio. Well the past is past, I learned what doesn't make a good call; I still want to come in with a good call, I'll just wait till I think of one.
"Matt from Springfield" [Virginia]