Alex Goldman
Alex Goldman is a producer for On the Media. One time he got run over by a car.
And Illustrated ... by Crook
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 - 11:44 AM
I'd say we get an email at least once a week from a listener asking us why Bob pauses when he says "edited...by Brooke" at the end of every episode. Even as a member of the OTM staff, that question will remain one of life's great mysteries, like the sound of one hand clapping, or why people dislike cilantro.
Comic artist Tyler Crook (you can find him on his website and on facebook) has obviously spent a considerable amount of time thinking about Bob's weekly pregnant pause and has drawn a cartoon imagining what happens in the studio during recording. It's pretty great.
More in:
-
From the Archive: PSYCHIC TIPS, MEDIA FRENZIES AND TEXAS
-
The Edward Snowden Narrative, Privacy vs. Convenience, and More
-
'Is Anybody Down' is Gone - For Now
-
The Fox News Mole
-
Happy Birthday
-
Is Snowden a Hero, Traitor, or Something Else
-
Thanks For Everything, Bing
- Where do you stand on government surveillance?
-
Our Privacy Delusions
-
My Voice is My Passport
Comments [10]
No matter how good the show is that moment gets under my skin like no other.
My theory is Bob wants to drive me mad. Mission solidly underway.
Bob Garfield is a frustrated dramatist who worships at the feet of Harold Pinter and has created his "Garfield Pause" as a tribute to the Master. Or it all began as a cheap publicity stunt for Bob's 2003 book, NOW A FEW WORDS FROM ME, and he just can't stop promoting that opus. Or, knowing full well Brooke is a card-carrying Trekkie, Bob is attempting a Vulcan Mind-Meld with her, which fails miserably because he can't concentrate on anything for longer than a New York Minute. Or it worked for Paul Harvey all those years so what the hay, run it up the flagpole and see if it flies. Good day!
Although I find Andrew's theory attractive, my own theory (and I've also been pondering this for a few years) is that editing is such a tedious job that Bob is pausing to express his gratitude and relief that Brooke takes it on, week after week.
That is one of the most popular segments we've ever aired on this show. It's called "pulling back the curtain," it was done by one of our longstanding contributors John Solomon, who sadly died in late 2010. You can hear the story by following this link:
http://www.onthemedia.org/2007/may/25/pulling-back-the-curtain/
There was a show a few years ago that addressed all sorts of behind the scenes questions, including this one. I have been searching, and for the life of me, can't find it.
If anyone can remember, please post the link to the archive.
This is why I want Brooke and Bob action figures! I want to recreate these exciting moments in the comfort of my own home. And I can have them race around in the Media-Mobile offering commentary and interviewing other dolls we have at the house.
I too have always wondered. Are they married? I hear nothing but fondness and a suppressed delivery of the final words by Bob which imply
a mild tease, an infra-dig that has been ongoing for... gee, no idea how long! Regardless my speculation from the outside, the show is terrific.
Yup, that's exactly what I imagined from the first time I heard it!
I just giggled like crazy at that.
This may mean I'm a big nerd.
Ha, it's no great mystery: he's just DARING Brooke to edit out that pause, and she never takes the bait. It's a wonderful thing.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.