The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: scully24 on February 11, 2004, 01:57:16 AM
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I don't know if this has been discussed before, but does anyone know what the record is for most appearances on different game shows by the same contestant? (And not a celebrity player, but a regular contestant)
I've seen all kinds of lists of top money winners, and profiles of people with 3, 4 or 5 game show appearances in their life, but are there people with 10 or more appearances on different game shows?
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Randy, you have, what, 7?
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 02:43 AM\'] Randy, you have, what, 7? [/quote]
I'm not Randy, but I thought he had 9. And if you want to count pilot contestants, what about Jack Campion?
Also, Maggie Brown? I know she was on PYL, Wipeout, (and wasn't she on SC and Whew!...among others?)
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Feb 10 2004, 11:43 PM\'] Randy, you have, what, 7? [/quote]
Inches or shows?!
I did 9 broadcast game shows as a contestant, pilots not included.
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 03:29 AM\'] [quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Feb 10 2004, 11:43 PM\'] Randy, you have, what, 7? [/quote]
Inches or shows?!
I did 9 broadcast game shows as a contestant, pilots not included.
Randy
tvrandywest.com [/quote]
DOn Benn has I believe ten to his credit: Diamond Head, Dating Game(late 70s syndie), $128K Question, Mindreaders, TTD(Caldwell), $otC(Perry), Scrabble, 80s Dating Game, USA Gonzo Games, and Cosby YBYL.
ON the distaff side, Sharlene Roth has her share too: $25K Pyramid, Face the Music, MOnopoly, Shopping Spree, WOF, Bergeron HS, Trivial Pursuit, and I think one or two others.
Sarabeth Rothfeld has done: Double Dare(Trebek), Face the Music, TTD(Wink), $otC(Perry), Love COnnection(though not usually considered a game show), MG98, and Who Knows You Best?
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It surprises me that some contestants are allowed to appear on some many different shows. In some of the books I've read, it states that shows won't accept you if you've appeared on one during the past year, or 3 in your lifetime.
I was always under the impression 3 was the limit.
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[quote name=\'Ian Wallis\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 10:45 AM\'] It surprises me that some contestants are allowed to appear on some many different shows. In some of the books I've read, it states that shows won't accept you if you've appeared on one during the past year, or 3 in your lifetime.
I was always under the impression 3 was the limit. [/quote]
That was the network rule at CBS, ABC I think had a "two game shows for that network in five years" rule. Not sure what the exact rule was for NBC. Some of these shows these people have appeared on were syndicated or on cable, and different rules about appearing on shows may have been used by those packagers and syndicators.
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DOn Benn has I believe ten to his credit: Diamond Head, Dating Game(late 70s syndie), $128K Question, Mindreaders, TTD(Caldwell), $otC(Perry), Scrabble, 80s Dating Game, USA Gonzo Games, and Cosby YBYL.
So it sounds like the record for broadcast game shows, as far as we know, is 10?
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 01:29 AM\'] Inches or shows?!
[/quote]
Randy, if ya only had seven inches, I wouldn't expect you to admit it in a public forum. ;)
"They call me Randy for a reason, baby, yeah!" :)
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 08:55 AM\'] Randy, if ya only had seven inches, I wouldn't expect you to admit it in a public forum. ;) [/quote]
Seven inches? No problem. Let me call a couple of friends to join me! ;-)
About exceeding network limits for maximum game show appearances, yes, syndie shows had different rules and most didn't have access to the network databases. In my case, I got an additional reprieve from NBC S&P. As I was the last champ on "Hit Man" and denied the opportunity to return to defend my title, it was agreed that the appearance would not be counted for purposes of determining eligibility. One of the nicest things a corporate lawyer ever did for me ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 12:36 PM\'] [quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 08:55 AM\'] Randy, if ya only had seven inches, I wouldn't expect you to admit it in a public forum. ;) [/quote]
Seven inches? No problem. Let me call a couple of friends to join me! ;-)
About exceeding network limits for maximum game show appearances, yes, syndie shows had different rules and most didn't have access to the network databases. In my case, I got an additional reprieve from NBC S&P. As I was the last champ on "Hit Man" and denied the opportunity to return to defend my title, it was agreed that the appearance would not be counted for purposes of determining eligibility. One of the nicest things a corporate lawyer ever did for me ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com [/quote]
So is that how you were allowed to appear on PYL only 6 months after your abbreviated run on Hit Man, Randy?
Tyshaun
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 11:36 AM\'] About exceeding network limits for maximum game show appearances, yes, syndie shows had different rules and most didn't have access to the network databases. In my case, I got an additional reprieve from NBC S&P. As I was the last champ on "Hit Man" and denied the opportunity to return to defend my title, it was agreed that the appearance would not be counted for purposes of determining eligibility. One of the nicest things a corporate lawyer ever did for me ;-)
[/quote]
One thing I don't quite understand, Randy. You appeared on PYL some six months or so after HIT MAN (both shows, of course, having a common thread in Peter Tomarken's hosting and Rod Roddy's announcing). I'm surprised CBS wouldn't have had an issue with you appearing on a show worked by both of them so soon after you had appeared on the last one, unless the reprieve you mentioned applies to ANY network/syndie show (not just those on NBC). Sure, I could make that assumption, but we know what assuming does. :)
I thought HIT MAN was a fun little game and was a little disappointed that it didn't survive beyond its initial 13 weeks. You should have had that chance to defend your title. OK, lament over.
EDIT: Guess Tyshaun and I have the same inquiring mind (that could be dangerous).
Doug
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[quote name=\'SRIV94\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 01:07 PM\'] [quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 11:36 AM\'] About exceeding network limits for maximum game show appearances, yes, syndie shows had different rules and most didn't have access to the network databases. In my case, I got an additional reprieve from NBC S&P. As I was the last champ on "Hit Man" and denied the opportunity to return to defend my title, it was agreed that the appearance would not be counted for purposes of determining eligibility. One of the nicest things a corporate lawyer ever did for me ;-)
[/quote]
One thing I don't quite understand, Randy. You appeared on PYL some six months or so after HIT MAN (both shows, of course, having a common thread in Peter Tomarken's hosting and Rod Roddy's announcing). I'm surprised CBS wouldn't have had an issue with you appearing on a show worked by both of them so soon after you had appeared on the last one, unless the reprieve you mentioned applies to ANY network/syndie show (not just those on NBC). Sure, I could make that assumption, but we know what assuming does. :)
I thought HIT MAN was a fun little game and was a little disappointed that it didn't survive beyond its initial 13 weeks. You should have had that chance to defend your title. OK, lament over.
EDIT: Guess Tyshaun and I have the same inquiring mind (that could be dangerous).
Doug [/quote]
If I have the same inquiring mind as anyone on this board, then we definitely have issues. ;)
Tyshaun
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[quote name=\'tyshaun1\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 09:51 AM\']So is that how you were allowed to appear on PYL only 6 months after your abbreviated run on Hit Man, Randy?[/quote]
Bingo, Tyshaun!
... I'm surprised CBS wouldn't have had an issue with you appearing on a show worked by both of them so soon after you had appeared on the last one, unless the reprieve you mentioned applies to ANY network/syndie show (not just those on NBC)...
The longer answer for Doug and the more perspiring minds... the appearance was "expunged". I was told it would that those databases would not reflect the "Hit Man" appearance in any way. As such, the coincidence of both Peter and Rod being on both shows was irrelevant.
Besides, it's too late. Just TRY to get those PYL prizes back: The car has since been donated to a charity, all that's left of the vacation are photographs, the cash has been sprinkled around several dozen LA bars, and I've since worn out the pantyhose!!
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 12:36 PM\'] Seven inches? No problem. Let me call a couple of friends to join me! ;-)
[/quote]
Wow, who knew Randy West had a dirty mind? lol
BTW, I'm rooting for you as TPiR's permanant announcer. :)
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[quote name=\'nbuckler14\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 03:58 PM\'] Wow, who knew Randy West had a dirty mind? lol [/quote]
Indecency is in the ear and eye of the beholder ;-p
BTW, I'm rooting for you as TPiR's permanant announcer. :)
Thanks, so am I!! ;-))
And I appreciate all the support more than you can imagine.
This is Randy West speaking for The Price is Right, a Mark Goodson, television production!
But here's how it looks in the script:
"This is Randy West speaking for The Price Is Right... a Mark Goodson (pause) television production."
The show loves punctuating with ellipses... (three periods)... they're everywhere in the scripts. The pause and the word "television" were added to all scripts at Mr. Goodson's request in memory of Bill Todman. Adding the extra word allowed for a cadence that is similar in reading to when Bill Todman's name followed Goodson's.
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 10:27 AM\']…I've since worn out the pantyhose!!
Randy
tvrandywest.com[/quote]
Aha! Even game show announcers need to get in touch with their feminine side sometimes! :)
But here's how it looks in the script:
"This is Randy West speaking for The Price Is Right... a Mark Goodson (pause) television production."
The show loves punctuating with ellipses... (three periods)... they're everywhere in the scripts. The pause and the word "television" were added to all scripts at Mr. Goodson's request in memory of Bill Todman. Adding the extra word allowed for a cadence that is similar in reading to when Bill Todman's name followed Goodson's.
Ah, but you don't follow everything in the script, which is actually a good thing.
For example, you say "here's the star of The Price is Right" instead of "here is the star of The Price is Right" (the scripted line), which brings an element back from Johnny O's way of announcing the opening.
Also, there's the "and" that you (as well as Johnny, Rod, and even Burton more recently) add in the opening before the fourth contestant's name, which is not in the script (as we've experienced with Art, Daniel, and Paul, who strictly go by the script).
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[quote name=\'Casey Buck\' date=\'Feb 11 2004, 07:20 PM\']Ah, but you don't follow everything in the script, which is actually a good thing.
For example, you say "here's the star of The Price is Right" instead of "here is the star of The Price is Right" (the scripted line), which brings an element back from Johnny O's way of announcing the opening.
Also, there's the "and" that you (as well as Johnny, Rod, and even Burton more recently) add in the opening before the fourth contestant's name, which is not in the script (as we've experienced with Art, Daniel, and Paul, who strictly go by the script).[/quote]
Shakepeare should be performed as written. I still see the announcer at "Price" as the role was first created by Johnny O and faithfully perpetuated by Rod. My relationship with Johnny gave me insight into how the role developed and how it was first envisioned. I never thought any of this would become useful so many years later.
Got a few minutes? Unlike the scripted and formal delivery of the announcer in early radio programs whose delivery was detatched and impersonal, Johnny always played it loose, informal, conversational and spontaneously. Unlike the earlier era of broadcasting where the off-stage announcer might be across the room or even behind glass pontificating in that old, artificial and distant style that is lampooned so well by Gary Owens when he cups his hand to his ear, Johnny saw his role as an active participant in the middle of the fun. That approach shaped everything Johnny did... style, content and delivery. That is how he played the announcer role on "Price", and I think that is a big part of why both Johnny and that role have been so endearing and enduring.
But I was surprised to learn that John was adlibbing much more than simply the hand-offs and interplay between he and Bob.
A few months after Johnny's death, on my first return visit to the set, I had the chance to talk with Frank Wayne about Johnny. Although Frank recognized me as having been to the show as Johnny's guest, I don't think he was exaggerating for my benefit when he spoke of John and how his death impacted the staff and the show. Among the things Frank told me was that he actually had to go back over tapes of the show to transcribe the transitional phrases Johnny had been using for years. Frank said many had never been in the script! He was talking about all that "If you'd like to see The Price Is Right in person...", and "Now here's Bob Barker with our Showcase Showdown" stuff.
I returned home and looked at one of the old scripts that Johnny had given me so that I could practice reading copy. Damn if it wasn't true! As one example, immediately following the page with the consolation prize copy (the "contestants not appearing on stage" fee plugs) was simply a page with the words "Showcase Showdown" handwritten. That transition line ("and now here's Bob Barker with our Showcase Showdown") was completely a Johnny creation as he apparently felt that, as he envisioned his role, he should make such a transition. Surely, like so many other prize reads in the show, Johnny could have ended cold at the end of the plug.
Johnny brought those kinds of touches to the show as a result of having a specific vision of how his "character" fit into the big picture. It's classic acting theory.
Given the unpredictable opportunity to voice that show so many years later, I purposely carry with me what I know of how Johnny envisioned the role. No, I would never presume to start making up new lines. But I can't help but feel I'm best serving the show by trying to recapture the spirit with which John created that character.
And yes, just a drop of it is my personal homage to a mentor who encouraged me over the many years when everyone else in my life thought I was nuts to pursue my fascination with broadcasting. I'm forever indebted and have wished many times that I could say "thanks" face-to-face.
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 03:33 AM\'] Unlike the earlier era of broadcasting where the off-stage announcer might be across the room or even behind glass pontificating in that old, artificial and distant style that is lampooned so well by Gary Owens when he cups his hand to his ear, [/quote]
Perpetuated today by John Kramer, as anyone who attended a taping of Pyramid knows.
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 02:33 AM\'] I returned home and looked at one of the old scripts that Johnny had given me so that I could practice reading copy. Damn if it wasn't true! As one example, immediately following the page with the consolation prize copy (the "contestants not appearing on stage" fee plugs) was simply a page with the words "Showcase Showdown" handwritten. That transition line ("and now here's Bob Barker with our Showcase Showdown") was completely a Johnny creation as he apparently felt that, as he envisioned his role, he should make such a transition. Surely, like so many other prize reads in the show, Johnny could have ended cold at the end of the plug. [/quote]
Hmm...that's something interesting. Randy, are those transitions written in the scripts *now*?
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[quote name=\'Matt Ottinger\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 07:16 AM\'][quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 03:33 AM\'] Unlike the earlier era of broadcasting where the off-stage announcer might be across the room or even behind glass pontificating in that old, artificial and distant style that is lampooned so well by Gary Owens when he cups his hand to his ear, [/quote]
Perpetuated today by John Kramer, as anyone who attended a taping of Pyramid knows.
[/quote]
Bada BING!
Hmm...that's something interesting. Randy, are those transitions written in the scripts *now*?
Yes Tommy. All those little goodies that ALL of the rotating announcers are saying have been in the script for years. Amazingly, that includes even the "OK Bob" after the ticket plug and the "There they are Bob" after the prize descriptions for some of the games. They all started as "Johnny-isms". ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 02:33 AM\']
I returned home and looked at one of the old scripts that Johnny had given me so that I could practice reading copy. Damn if it wasn't true! As one example, immediately following the page with the consolation prize copy (the "contestants not appearing on stage" fee plugs) was simply a page with the words "Showcase Showdown" handwritten. That transition line ("and now here's Bob Barker with our Showcase Showdown") was completely a Johnny creation as he apparently felt that, as he envisioned his role, he should make such a transition. Surely, like so many other prize reads in the show, Johnny could have ended cold at the end of the plug.
[/quote]
Randy, that was the most interesting post I've read here in a long time. Thank you so much for sharing that with us.
You also raise a question...
From what I know now about Johnny, would it be safe to assume his introduction back to Gene after the product plugs on MG were non-scripted too (i.e. "Ho ho ho, on with the show, and our star, Gene Rayburn")?
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[quote name=\'aaron sica\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 08:22 AM\'] From what I know now about Johnny, would it be safe to assume his introduction back to Gene after the product plugs on MG were non-scripted too (i.e. "Ho ho ho, on with the show, and our star, Gene Rayburn")? [/quote]
Absolutely, there's no doubt in my mind at all.
Johnny did a lot of that kind of stuff and I think all those little touches, as cliched or corny as some have now become so many years later, were part of his charm and added to the show.
I know first hand how much they added to "Price". The staging is so complex that without adding the occasional adjective ("exciting" or "fabulous"), or phrase ("Coming around on the turntable is..." or "moving on to..." during a string of small item descriptions) you end up with dead silence after Bob cues the announcer and before the stage crew reveals a prize or a cameraman gets his shot. Former radio people usually find silence most uncomfortable. I like how Johnny filled those tiny moments; his innate sense for flow and pacing were part of his magic.
A valid argument can be made that a couple of beats of silence at those tiny moments is not a problem, or even builds a bit of suspense. The same is true with a feeling for how long after a prize's reveal you start talking about it. It's all just a matter of opinion, and how an announcer feels about it manifests itself as his style. To that latter point, while everyone agrees that the announcer shouldn't "tip a reveal" by mentioning a prize before it's seen, I also think you can't lag too far behind the reveals. As a result I've dropped entire phrases (never any sponsor copy or necessary information) during showcases because doors have started opening!
While it ain't brain surgery, the job is more than simply "reading aloud". I love the adrenalin rush from having to instantaneously make these kinds of judgements and adjustments from simultaneously looking at both the script and a monitor, while reading and also listening to the director throwing cues at me and at the stage crew. It's especially sweet on a show like "Price" where you're working without a net - they just plain don't stop tape for the announcer to get a second take!
By the way Aaron, I'm willing to bet that the words "Ho ho ho, on with the show" NEVER appeared in ANY game show script! ;-)
Randy
tvrandywest.com
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 12:11 PM\']
By the way Aaron, I'm willing to bet that the words "Ho ho ho, on with the show" NEVER appeared in ANY game show script! ;-)
[/quote]
It leads me to wonder, though -
Just as the "showcase showdown" line was Johnny's, I wonder if this line that I spoke of ("ho ho ho..") was one that was said all the time, or if he just made it up as he went along.....
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[quote name=\'tvrandywest\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 12:11 PM\'] By the way Aaron, I'm willing to bet that the words "Ho ho ho, on with the show" NEVER appeared in ANY game show script! ;-)
[/quote]
Except on the Playboy Channel game shows. :-)
(I'll be spending Valentine's weekend in "The Chamber" Chamber for that one)
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When he was doing "Mindreaders," Johnny O did something I had not heard him do on other shows--he would start out the ticket plug or a fee plug with "friends..." (as in "Thank you, Dick!...Friends, if you'd like to see 'Mindreaders' in person..."). Was that his own extremely subtle reference to how awful the show was--that he felt like a minister officiating at a funeral?
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Randy -
I saw the vote for announcer on cbs.com... just wanted to tell you that I voted for you a "lucky seven" times.
When I get around it to it... maybe I can vote for you with more TPIR number... say the Plinko total? ;)
Cheers,
Ryan :)
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I've always wanted to see Randy make some off-the-cuff comment like Johnny used to do occasionally. For example, during the Yolanda incident, Johnny commented "Bob, They have given their ALL for you!"
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[quote name=\'whoserman\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 06:44 PM\'] I've always wanted to see Randy make some off-the-cuff comment like Johnny used to do occasionally. For example, during the Yolanda incident, Johnny commented "Bob, They have given their ALL for you!" [/quote]
I remember one episode of TPiR when they played That's Too Much and they had a Ford Escape and Bob got Randy to repeat it and he said "It's a Ford Escape Bob." and Bob said, "Spell it" and Randy said, "E-S-C-A-P-E" I thought it was funny, do you remember that Randy?
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[quote name=\'nbuckler14\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 05:43 PM\'] I remember one episode of TPiR when they played That's Too Much and they had a Ford Escape and Bob got Randy to repeat it and he said "It's a Ford Escape Bob." and Bob said, "Spell it" and Randy said, "E-S-C-A-P-E" I thought it was funny, do you remember that Randy? [/quote]
Yeah, um, that's high comedy.
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 08:45 PM\'] Yeah, um, that's high comedy. [/quote]
I'm sorry, I'm just a 15 year old without a life.
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[quote name=\'nbuckler14\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 07:57 PM\'] [quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 08:45 PM\'] Yeah, um, that's high comedy. [/quote]
I'm sorry, I'm just a 15 year old without a life. [/quote]
Having no life has nothing to do with it. I'm 32 and I STILL have no life. ;)
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It's a lot funnier when you see it, rather than read a transcription of it.
"A Ford ESTATE?!"
"Ee ess. Cee ay. Pee ee."
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[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Feb 13 2004, 12:52 AM\'] It's a lot funnier when you see it, rather than read a transcription of it.
"A Ford ESTATE?!"
"Ee ess. Cee ay. Pee ee." [/quote]
yeah that's worded much better I'll admit.
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[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Feb 12 2004, 10:52 PM\'] "A Ford ESTATE?!"
"Ee ess. Cee ay. Pee ee." [/quote]
Boy do I remember it! It felt like I said it 12 times, spelled it, and Bob STILL didn't get it. Granted the acoustics on stage can be tricky (to avoid feedback), and it's a new car model.
I wanted to say "Escape, as in breaking out of prison", but didn't think Ford would appreciate it!
Randy
tvrandywest.com