Weekend Brunch
By
Good afternoon, Zoners! And welcome to our (mostly) weekly discussion group to talk about Stephen, our lives, our friendships with each other, and pretty much anything you’d like to talk about with other readers of No Fact Zone, what we here affectionately call “the Zoners”.
Today’s brunch is lovingly made by a very cute boy (my husband), and it’s egg-in-a-hole and Tazo Chai Latte tea. I found that if I get the Tazo Chai concentrate from Whole Foods or other food retailer, at $4, it makes 7-8 cups of what at Starbucks would be considered a Grande Chai Latte. Much better for my wallet!
So I hope everyone’s been doing well this weekend. My Beetle is in the shop, and I’m driving a rental PT Cruiser. Other than that, it’s been the same old same old. Oh, and I spent all day yesterday doing my new RSS feed graphic. Because I suck at photoshop and it takes me forever to do anything.
Last weekend was filled with what I considered to be a rather interesting adventure. I won a pair of tickets to see Tori Amos. Now, normally when I go to a concert or event, if I’m not active in the fandom, I am at least familiar with the work of the artist. With Tori, I knew a few songs and a general style, but it was basically like walking into a foreign country for me. Immersing myself in an unfamiliar fandom was absolutely surreal. People were so into every single song, getting up and dancing and screaming and having the time of their lives. It was quite interesting seeing the different people who were at the concert, and the things that drew out their passion.
It was so nice, however, to get back to my very comfortable fandom when I got home. I wonder if people who are only vaguely familiar with Stephen Colbert who go with a friend to see the ‘Colbert Report’ tape live are as bewildered as I was that night?
So here’s my question for you today:
What sticks out in your mind as being one of the Common Points of Knowledge for the Colbert fandom?
For example, is there a word that people need to know to follow conversations? Certain sketches that are “must see” due to their constant mentions?
For me, I think the #1 “must see” sketch is Charlene (I’m Right Behind You), and it’s probably good to understand the whole Charlene/Meg “enthusiasm” aspect of Stephen’s character. It is also good to understand that in the Colbert fandom, instead of saying *facepalm* at frustration, you can say *headdesk*. You should also probably know who Filliam H. Muffman, Tyrone Hunnibi and Bramlet Abercrombie are.
Related posts
52 Comments
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:38 am
I know exactly what you mean about the Tori Amos concerts because I’ve been to one myself. I know some songs and was going with someone who was a much bigger fan and I was also taken by the fandom that was there.
“Truthiness” is something everyone should know the definition to, since it’s sort of the thesis statement to the show….and because it was such an honor for Stephen for it to be named Word of the Year. Also the WristStrong compilation video they have on colbertnation.com is a good way to introduce people to that aspect of the show. Stephen’s interview with Papa Bear might be a good thing to watch as well.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Good ones, Erika. I’m wearing my Truthiness T-shirt right now, and normally wear my WristStrong (just slacking on a Sunday).
Virtually no one “gets” the WristStrong thing. And I wear it every day.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Ever since I got my bracelet at the taping I went to in late June, I’ve been wearing it every day and only take it off when I’m worried it’ll get damaged or something lol.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I’m am another Colbert fan out there who wears the wriststrong that much. I wear it whenever I am in public and also outside in the sun so I can get a good wriststrong tan by the end of the summer. My plan is to take a picture and send it to the Colbert Report.
My attempt at getting people to ask about the wriststrong has pretty much failed now.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:23 am
I think one of the most Common Points of Knowledge is that “Stephen” is afraid of bears. It’s mentioned at least once a week in a Threat Down or somewhere else.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
Oh, what an interesting question! Well, when I first got into The Colbert Report, it was obvious there were some things that everyone knew about. I think those would be WristStrong, the Charlene song, Singin’ in Korean, The Girl is Mine, the whole Emmys thing with him getting beaten by elderly legends, the whole bears thing, and I think it’s important for news fans to read “I Am America (and so can you).” Oh! And possibly the “truthiness” clip as well.
And, of course, I agree with the Filliam H. Muffman clip. :P
I know there are probably things I’m leaving out…
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
How about everything that has been named after him?
And Papa Bear so they understand that he is basically mocking Bill Oriely if I used the right word.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I meant mocking. oops. headdesk word there.
ReCaptcha: ponemont twitty
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:53 am
That’s a good point! All of the stuff that they named after him – that’s a huge part of it! :)
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
When did you first get into the Colbert Report?
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
I first started watching the show about a year ago, so I’m still relatively new. How about you?
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
about 2 and a half years ago.
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I think the whole Rain saga is a must, especially if you’re new to the fandom (and just becoming a part of the online fandom community, as occasionally folks will just type “RAAAAINNNN!”. Veterans always laugh heartily at this, but I think newbies would just be confused), and possibly also the Branson Waterfight/”Trainwreck” as folks may be confused as to why “Stephen” hates Branson so much and makes pretty pointed jokes about him on the show.
I hear what you’re saying, DB, about experiencing a new fandom that you’re not entirely a part of and sort of feeling disconnected. My other half is a die hard Depeche Mode fan and is big into the fan message boards and song remixing. I gotta say, I don’t quite get the enthusiasm for remixed (and overly remixed) electronic music, but I suppose when you’re looking at another fandom from the outside, that’s just how it appears. When you’re on the inside looking out at others, you’re just kind of like, “What do you mean you don’t get it? How can you not?!?” : )
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
What about how the character is totally straight (“my sexual partners have consistently been women”), but he’s always saying how attractive certain men are (Matthew McConnahoweveryouspellit, Brad Pitt, and my favorite, Bill Clinton – “And for the record- would I? You bet!”).
I don’t know if it’s essential background for entry into the fandom, but it’s an interesting example of (as Stephen describes it) the completely unexamined life the character leads.
“It-getter” and “Friend of the show” come up a lot.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 pm
And watch the behind the scenes video with senator Kerry on YouTube.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
In an unrelated, but Weekend Brunch-ish, topic: I’m trying to plan a trip to NYC for a taping this coming year (yeah!!!). I’m on an academic schedule, so I have to go when I’m on break from teaching. That leaves early-mid January and mid-March (the week of St. Patrick’s Day). Given the long wait outdoors, I’d prefer March, but I would kick myself if they ended up on break that week and I missed my chance.
In general, how far in advance do they usually open up tickets (like when should I start looking for January or March tickets), and is there any chance they’d be on break in March? Would they know that now? Is the new audience coordinator as nice as Mark and would he tell me if I begged and sent cookies?
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I too am on a teaching schedule and was constantly on the lookout for tickets that matched my breaks last fall. I managed to reserve tickets in August for the third week in October [part of a fall break at my school].
I feel like they break around Presidents Day for a mid-winter break and April for a Spring Break–typically around Easter but that changes every year.
Hope that helps!
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
The show usually goes on a week or two break around Easter and I’m not sure if it’ll be in March or April of next year. I think they’re releasing tickets for October shows now, so my guess is you might have to wait until November or December to get tickets for a March show.
I met the new Audience Coordinator during his 1st or 2nd week on the job…his name is Sal and he’s very nice. If you can figure out how to get in touch with him, he might be able to help, but I’ve never tried so I couldn’t really say for sure.
Good luck!
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
the general rule in the past, and I think it still holds, is that tickets go out two months ahead. hopefully by then I’ll have computer access during the day and I’ll have a better feel for it.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
first off, the new audience coordinator is awesome. he made dreams come true when i attended a taping last month. :) do you have a twitter? just if you needed help knowing when tickets are released twitter.com/ColbertTix is a godsend. anyway, good luck! :)
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Looks like Easter is on April 4, so a 2 week break over Easter would still leave me in the clear for March 15-18.
I do follow @colberttix on twitter, but haven’t seen any tickets released lately.
It’s ridiculous how much I want to go to a taping (well, certainly you lot get it), and this may be my only decent chance for the next 2 years. I am telling my husband this is the only thing I want for Christmas. Let the gods of luck and Colbert love shine on me and make it all fall into place.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
The spring break is usually one week, and it’s not always around Easter. It wasn’t this year.
I’d advise checking the ticket reservation page compulsively once they’re getting close to the date you want to go. That’s really the only way to find an open date. I just happened to check for tix this past Friday and got some for early October (woo hoo!), so it’ll be a while yet before they’re into next year’s tickets.
(reCAPTCHA: Brunswick baptize. Hah.)
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:16 am
Yeah, but I really only have January and mid-March. So if I wait until Dec/Jan to get March tickets and find that they’ll be on break, I’ve missed my chance and I won’t get another.
(Maybe I’ll email the new audience coordinator in a couple of months and ask. If he’s as nice as Mark, he might help me out.)
So stressful!!
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
When I went to my first taping in October- I went with my sister who didn’t really watch the show. I gave her a “Colbert Report Primer” that included: audiobook of IAAASCY, links to Even Stevphen segments from The Daily Show, and let her borrow my Best of Colbert Report DVD.
There are subtle elements to his character: how he is quick to anger or cry without thinking it all the way through [Nation, I am angry!], he loves to pander to sponsors [Bud Light w/Lime, Refreshing Siera Mist, Doritos]and non-sponsors [i-phone], is deserving of all awards not given to him [*grabby hands* Emmy, please!], and he has giant balls [most BKAD segments include him saying things that make a viewer ask, "did he really just say that?!"].
I agree with the must see segments above! I would include the week of shows from Chili-delphia and Formidable Opponent segments [along with Even Stevphens]to show how he can pander to both sides of an argument. I know Strangers with Candy should be included since there are some running jokes/gags from that as well as Wigfield but I can’t pinpoint just one.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I would add to other people’s suggestions that every new fan study the “banana” segment until they can recite it verbatim, and that they know he not only learned his Sunday school lessons well but that he “TEACHES Sunday school, motherf….r”. Also, new fans should be warned never to make a reference to ancient mythology nor The Lord of the Rings, unless they are prepared to listen to a 10 minute (at least) monologue on the topic.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Another thing about Stephen is he dances (well, he doesn’t tap dance, to my knowledge :-)). The SexyBack dance into the audience is one I can think of immediately. Also, he’ll sing every chance he gets. Renditions of the Star Spangled Banner are many, and then there are the songs he’s sung w/ his musical guests, ie. Tony Bennet, Barry Manilow, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Whateverhisnameis formerly from Orleans – now Congressman.
Our Stephen is a triple threat! (Sings, dances, acts).
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Oh! He tap dances…just not in the most conventional manner! :)
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-17-2001/moment-of-zen-stephen-colbert-tap-dancing-in-diving-suit
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:32 am
ZOMG! That was my question to him at the taping I went to: Do you tap dance. He shot back at me, “No, do you?” I told him yes, and he asked me if I could show him how to do a time step. I said sure, and showed him. What he’s doing in your vid w/ the flippers is a TIME STEP!!! Well, good thing I’ve never gotten around to making an instructional DVD for him on time steps. It’s one of those things I’ve been meaning to do, but I guess he really doesn’t need it. He sure fooled me.
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I am so jealous you got to show him steps! What a charmer! I imagine Stephen is someone who knows a little bit about everything. He probably didn’t know what he was doing was a time step and jumped at the chance to learn something new and engage an audience member and the same time! [or is just an amazing guy and wanted to give you an awesome story to talk about!] I have a feeling his response to my question isn’t entirely accurate–but he really just wanted to do the King of Glory Dance! :)
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Well, bear in mind the TDS clip above was from 8 years ago. So just because he did a time step then doesn’t mean he’d know or remember how to do it on command when you asked. (I taught tap classes in high school, but I couldn’t do a time step to save my life now!).
So I bet he really did want to learn something new, and you got to teach him. Good for you!
August 2nd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
definitely important to know what the story of the wriststrong bracelet is. truthiness would be another one, because it’s so useful.
I think it is good to know what bears are usually the number one threat, but I don’t think bears get mentioned that regularly, so perhaps knowing not to emphasize the ursine angle too much would be good. if you come out yelling about bears all the time, it is a bit much. if you want some place to just throw your anger, RAAAAIIIINNNN!!! *shakes fist* is a much better way to do it.
knowing what a *grabby-hand* is would be good too, I think.
know the Papa Bear is O’Reilly, that BKAD stands for Better Know a District, that IAAASCY stands for I Am America (and So Can You!) that WHCD stands for the 2006 White House Correspondents dinner (and know that speech.) when I first read “IAAASCY” I thought it was a different book and I was eager to find this Iaaascy that was so exciting people were writing it in all caps! uh, duh! I mean, I had already experienced the Coldplay fandom where an album is AROBTTH, so a lengthy acronym should not have been so confusing!
as for tapings, if you didn’t know he was going to run around and be active and high-five, that would be a little intimidating. I was a little intimidated and I could anticipate it!
I know what you mean about concerts outside of what you know, DB! I went to a concert this year (cheap and convenient) where I looked up some of the band’s songs on youtube and listened while I was picking out my clothes. it was fun, but I felt like I was missing out because not only did those first few chords make me scream, but I hadn’t even heard the song before!
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Some of the main things Colbert fans should be familiar with:
1. The concept of “truthiness” and Stephen’s relationship with his guests (how he’s not actually a pompous conservative, he lets the people he interviews in on the joke, etc).
2. The Colbert Nation and how it works.
3. Miscellaneous mannerisms and backstories to the character himself! (Charlene, Rain, the ever-raging battle with him and his Emmy competitors, etc)
I’ve had to educate my fair share of Colbert “virgins,” lol.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I have a question taping-related, I’m pretty sure the answer’ll be no but I’m going to ask anyway just in case. I live in Hong Kong, but I’m from the States [Jersey originally, but lived in Florida too] and am back here for summer vacation. I’m going to be in New York in two weeks, and it’s the week before we leave. Now, I’m turning 18 on the 17th, but we’re leaving the 16th. Would I might even be able to get in if I went on that Thursday with my mom and told them that I’m turning 18 in on Monday but I live in Hong Kong but am leaving Sunday?
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Well, based on the fact that you are almost 18 and have traveled from Hong Kong, they might have a heart, but I’ll let other Zoners chime in. Good luck!
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
They do generally want I.D.’s but my sisters didn’t have them and got in anyway because the audience coordinators were worried that the crowd wouldn’t be rowdy enough and they knew that we would be :) SO, if you explain the situation, they might be willing to bend in the rules especially if there is a smaller group of people that day.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Thanks! I’ll have to try it and see, then.
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
OK. I just watched “Bewitched” for the first time since becoming part of the Colbert fandom and I was thrilled to find a a 2-minute extra feature devoted exclusively to Stephen (Special Features–Featurettes—Bewitched: Start Shots). I knew he was on the special features, but I didn’t know he had his own little segment. Supposedly, Nora Ephron had a big crush on him and wanted him in her film:) At the end of the segment, Stephen jokes that this is going to go to The Daily Show and they’re all going to make fun of him:)
Has anyone else seen this? Probably. Haha.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
That’s why I rent the DVD.
(That and in the “Making of ‘Bewiched’” when Stephen does his ear trick.)
Reply
August 5th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
…when Stephen does his ear trick.
My favourite part of that bit is that everyone in the entire studio goes “whooooaaaa!” LOL Stephen can barely hold down his grin of satisfaction at their mass reaction. ^_^
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
i own this dvd (*hangs head* …yes because of stephen) and i’ve never ventured into the extra features! thanks!
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I bought this DVD used at a Half Priced Books just for the features lol. I LOVE that featurette and of course the ear trick. He’s got the greatest little smirky grin after he does it.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Oh, I have to go and get this DVD now!
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:53 am
Me too. I’m ashamed that I’ve never seen it.
August 2nd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
as i was reading all of the comments, on more than one occasion i found myself laughing and saying “oh yeah! definatly that one!”. though, the first thing i thought of after reading the question was wristrong. i run into people all the time who claim to be big fans, then look perplexed when i flash my bracelet in hopes of a giggle. it makes me sad.
p.s. love the new rss icon DB! it kind of made my day when i saw it. :)
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
His long working relationship with Paul Dinello and Amy Sedaris and knowledge of his improv background (“Yes…and”) is useful as is his history with Steve Carell.
Reply
August 2nd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Lots of great suggestions so far. A couple of additional points that come to mind are two more of his “nemesis” – Jane Fonda and Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
I think the real beginning of the whole Colbert Nation as a real force came w/ the Hungarian Bridge thing, then just took off from there. Geeze, how many things does he have named after him now? A spider, an eagle, a hockey mascot, a turtle, some kind of beetle (?), the exercise machine that’s going to space. Hmmm, any more? I just went blank. The power of the Colbert Nation is strong, dare I say, WristStrong?
Oh, and there was the Wikipedia thing. Stephen’s fans will do anything he tells them to, like buy WristStrong bracelets to support the troops, donate to Donorschoose.org to support classrooms and especially those of our troops, bid on casts, portraits, etc. in his name all for charity. I’m proud to be part of such a great bunch of people who have fun while they’re helping people. Go, Nation!
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
OT, but hearing y’all talking about Wriststrong makes me sad. As a dane, I have no idea how to get the wriststrong bracelet, and I want it so badly. I can’t get is shipped here, because I live here in Denmark. Does anyone know a other way I can get it?
Reply
August 4th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
There are some on ebay, too. If CC won’t ship to you, maybe an ebay seller will.
Good luck!
Reply
August 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Thanks so much:D
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:20 pm
You can order it from the comedy central shop site. I’m not sure where they ship to though. http://shop.comedycentral.com/detail.php?p=76596
ReCaptcha: weakness decision
Reply
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I just thought of something you should do (after you explain that as well) while launching another person’s Colbert completeism.
Eat Americone Dream with them.
Reply