THE GOOFS TAPE

by Spoot Lepidus

Folks, there is a very special video compilation making the underground rounds that I feel 
deserves attention.  A few months ago I was exposed to something called "The Goofs Tape".  It 
is, essentially, a collection of calls made to various television phone-in shows perpetrated 
by an enigmatic prankster calling himself "Bob," who, through various methods, attempts to 
amuse, anger, fluster, and/or brighten the day of the victimized show hosts by presenting them 
with uncomfortable (though very rarely obscene) situations, comments and views that are hard
 to discern from real-life call-in whackos until it's too late and the goof/punchline is
 sprung.



And really, this is what elevates the goof tape to a higher level: the art of maintaining a 
possibly credible if crazy persona.  A few of the bits have more traditional prank call 
conclusions (which are funny as fuck), but the bulk of them leave the hosts feeling rattled 
and bewildered without really knowing why.  It's just really hilarious to see these TV 
personalities have their professional demeanors shot to shit, utilizing the rules they 
themselves have set up for their own shows.


Covering a wide range of topics (abnormal growths to robot conspiracies) and shows (everything
 from local ones like Stump on Sports to C-SPAN), the Goofs Tape proves that a person can
 really reach out and alter the everyday platicity of boring-ass call-in shows.  Having the
 whole thing on video also really lets the viewer enjoy the voyeuristic thrill of being in on
 the gag and being able to scrutinize host reaction during the call.



Upon repeated viewings, you'll find subtleties embedded everywhere (during one bit, where Bob
 concludes the first call and is picked up as a second, supposedly different caller, he begins
 by saying "Hello, yes, this is someone completely different..." and proceeds to goof them 
again while they sit in a dumb stupor) which also serves to make it that much more 
entertaining.  Luckily for you, you can obtain a copy of this masterpiece by mailing 5 bucks
 (to cover shipping and materials; he doesn't care about money, he just wants to be wonderful) 
to:


Bob
P.O. Box 17415
Chattanooga, TN 37415

Also, you can check out some samples of Bob's work via downloadable video at www.thankyoufortakingmycall.com