Norm Nathan's Vault of Silliness

For the uninitiated, the sounds you just heard were Spring Peepers. A brand new recording for 2023. My usual spot was quiet. I was driving by a very small pond and heard these sweet sounds and had to stop, record and share. I plan on making another recording at the larger area when that one gets-a-peeping. Now, for those who may be tuning in for the first time, my name is Tony Nesbitt. I produced Norm’s show from 1989 until 1996. I worked with him in studio and then when I moved to the David Brudnoy Show, I continued to book all his guests and make appearances that have become legendary. ;-) The Vault of Silliness has been broadcasting for nearly 2.5 years! I’m just so thrilled that we can relive these classic radio moments that Norm graced us with. I recently started a Patreon acct to help support the program. Please consider helping out and become a subscriber there. Once show costs are covered, I will be donating a % to the Berklee College of Music in Norm’s memory. The link is in the description box. Thank you again to those that have become Patrons. Before we get to the meat of today’s episode, I also wanted to mention that WMCT here in Marlborough, MA, our local community cable outlet has expanded the reach of NNVoS. In addition to their public channel, they have added it to their ‘government channel!’ You can hear it on Friday and Saturday nights at 11pm just like those radio days of yesteryear. If you’re local, it’s on Comcast 8/Verizon 34. Alrighty, today the Vault has spilled forth a DBG from March 25th, 1995. I have titled it: Amusing Musings. We begin with Norm introducing Jack first and he was not quite ready. The rest of the panel: Joe in Boston Howard from Laconia, NH Alice in Quincy Glenn from Brighton Jim Frawley producing and playing in-studio Bdays: Howard Cosell Gloria Steinem Aretha Franklin Anita Bryant Elton John Paul Michael Glaser Mary Gross Joseph Barbera A sample of the many Amusing Musings that took place: Variety is the spice of life The DBG rules are taught to every school child for those hoping to be part of the game someday The DBG is being considered for the Olympics and Jeopardy. Nick Lowe & Bonnie Bedelia Wickedly cool ideas Millard Fillmore firsts Norm’s cheap 72 – 77 key piano, The SteinPoop “Mr. Ugly” Tasteless, worthless material Tension and hate The hybrid talk/game show idea is genius! Do we have a time traveler on the panel? And dwarves envy. Ep 131, Amusing Musings, brings a smile to your ears in 3, 2 and 1. https://www.patreon.com/normnathanvos

Norm Nathan’s VoS is back for Episode 130. It’s a DBG from March 19th, 1994. Norm gets right to the game so I’ll only prepare you for it by letting you know that I have titled it, Punning Rampunt! The esteemed panel: The lovely Arlene in Philadelphia Bob from Pittsburgh Howard and Dave in Kingston Rod the Security Guard Emilio Marotta I'm also in studio And Jack Harte. Bdays Glenn Close Phyllis Newman Philip Roth Bruce Willis Ornette Coleman Patrick McGoohan And Ruth Pointer More ridiculousness: Sangawiches, the pixah show, this afta? Norm is yet again way behind in sending out lots of prizes. DBG and stuff from guests. The Quad State Area, NY, NJ, CT and PA Portnoy’s Complaints Counting the huffs and puffs Drinking, smoking and thinking of women NooseRadio 1030 A Cameo by Jack Benny Norm began his 50-year career at the age of 51. That’s the Limit…in Canada! And Optical Illusions Episode 130, Punning Rampunt, begins right now. https://www.patreon.com/normnathanvos

Today brings us what was listed as March 11th, 1994 but turned out to be APRIL 11th, 1994. So instead of combing through the Vault for an appropriate March date I figured we should just roll with it and because of that a title was spawned: Misdated Madness It’s a DBG that has a few side conversations that are a lot of fun. Players: Brian Mark in Hudson I’m on the phone from home Keith Shields producing and playing in studio Rob Floyd from WBZ’s 24-hour traffic network and marching society band. Bdays: Ethel Kennedy Joel Grey Ellen Goodman Louise Lasser Oleg Cassini History: What year was Napoleon Bonaparte banished to the Island of Elba? What year was Jackie Robinson signed as the first black player to play for a major league team? How about a bday from April 12th? Tiny Tim – hang on…he will not be tip toeing through the tulips So the game wraps with David Letterman. Other goofiness: Norm tells his moving story of how he lost his Congressional Medal of Honor Silly Pooks Norm will be in for Bob that week but a mystery lady, Victoria Jones will be subbing for a couple of days too. Bubbling out of your undershorts Norm has been Middleton Town Moderator since 1978! Term limits anyone? We do get a little insight in to Middleton’s small-town politics. Homonyms, Homophones and Palindromes Emerson College Emersonians and their distinguished graduates. The Little Building Jack’s Joke Shop Episode 129, Misdated Madness, begins ‘Marching’ to your ears in 3,2 and 1. www.patreon.com/normnathanvos

It appears the trickery worked as last week’s entire episode played through without clipping at the end. I know the realization of missing my extraordinary closing pieces was an eye-opener (more like an eye-roller). You don’t know what ya got till it’s gone. Today brings us a DBG from March 3rd, 1995. I found this an enormously entertaining show that has a little bit of everything in it. Because of that, I’ll go with titling it: Junk Drawer Radio. The Players: Russ The very affectionate Val in Needham Kevin from Dorchester Ed from Melrose I’m in Studio Jim Frawley producing and playing in studio And Jack Harte with a solution to a radio conundrum that was being discussed The Bdays: Emilio Estefan, no Emilio Estevez..no Gloria Estefan. Close, it’s her husband. Nah…forget it. Chastity Bono The attractive woman in a different kind of way, Katherine O’Hara Barbara McNair We move on to Monday, 3/6 Rob Reiner Ed McMahon and Norm really gets a kick out of Ed’s resumé And Tom Arnold Other mildly useful stuff: It is rumored that Norm was curmudgeonly the first half hour but has brightened up since then. My stash of Woodsman Weather Sticks Old Time Radio with Norm playing all the roles? Chin Whispering The story of a bright man (ahem) who wears two hats and may be very interested in what Norm has to say. Star-studded cameos by George Burns, Fred Allen, Arthur Godfrey, Jack Benny, Kasey Kasem and Lionel Barrymore The mystery of being simultaneously appeased and aggravated Leeza Gibbons gives Ken Newman some air time Observant TV talk show points Y is the cousin to the other vowels Buying the movie rights to Norms wonderful stories. My other answers Mumbling birthday formulas and bathroom breaks Bad company polluting the minds of good kids Publisher’s Clearing House and subscribing to every magazine such as: Woodworker’s Monthly, Alaskan Antler Collector, Magazine Subscribers Monthly, and other wonderful periodicals Horse-questrian Crossings? And loving your ‘fishterish.’ You know what I’m saying, my ‘butch-kala-cahnan-oh-ma?’ Episode 128, Junk Drawer Radio, slides open to your ears, now.

Welcome back to the Vault of Silliness, or should I say Vault of Clippiness? Yes, the clipping at the end of the episodes continues and the powers that be are fighting the good fight to resolve it properly. Buuuuut for now we have agreed to try a little trickery. A bit of video voodoo. Some audio abracadabra. What is it? Well thank you just so darn much for asking! I will add around 30 seconds of silence at the end of each show. The hope is that it will now clip off the added silence and my wonderfully entertaining close to each show will be heard in its entirety. I’m sure some of you are saying, “He should add the silence at the start of his close.” Let us venture back to February 25th, 1996 for a NNS show I have titled: Wolves at the Studio Door. We have three guests all of whom will be speaking about the wolf. Guest 1 Fred Keating from Loki (prn Lo-keye) Clan Wolf Refuge in Conway, NH – A shelter for wolf hybrids – wolves mixed with a domesticated dog. He provides excellent info on wolves and their abilities, explains all that his Refuge does and what started him on this journey. Guest 2 Paul Saffron from the North American Wolf Foundation and Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, MA. At the time he had seventeen, 100% pure British Columbian Timberwolves – and they were howling in the background! He tells us about the horribly senseless and cruel ways the wolf was treated and exterminated in the past and how governments are trying to right those wrongs. And, of course, he talks about his Foundation, his experiences, and the presentations he and his wife, Joanie, do at Wolf Hollow. Guest 3 Rick McIntyre – Author of ‘War Against the Wolf.’ He adds even more perspective on the anti-wolf mindset of the time and now, thankfully, a change in attitudes and philosophy about the wolf and its importance in the environment. We do take some calls with Rick: Joe from Quincy Paul Saffron returns to speak with Rick Jim in Georgetown John from MI Barbara in Brookline Pauline from Westborough Bruce in Boston And Pat from Plainville Episode 127, Wolves at the Studio Door, howls it’s way to your ears, now. patreon.com/normnathanvos

A NNS from February 17th, 1996 graces the airwaves again with this episode. Because of the subject matter I have titled it: Help Wanted, Guidance Given! We get a nice Show open and Norm teases the upcoming guests. First will be Brandon Toropov – a Job Search Expert – His Book: “303 Off-the-Wall Ways to Get a Job.” He doles out resumé suggestions, advice and a whole lot of other strategies! Later we talk with ‘Mr. Scholarship’ Dan Cassidy – Pres. and founder of the National Scholarship Research Service. Back then, 2.7B $ in financial aid went unclaimed! Callers for Brandon: Christine from Abbington A Caller from Canada Laurie Dave And Fred Before we get to Dan Cassidy, Norm does some sports and talks up Sunday night’s guest which was to be Rupert Holmes, writer, composer, singer and multi-Tony award winner. His latest project that was airing on AMC was a series titled: Remember WENN Now it’s time for Mr. Scholarship. Dan talks about the many different criteria that can lead you to get a scholarship and provides a ton of info! Some reference books that were mentioned were: For Undergrads…The Scholarship Book, The Worldwide Graduate Scholarship Directory for Masters, PhD and post-doctorate and The Worldwide College Scholarship Directory for foreign students studying in this country or a student from the U.S. looking to study abroad. Callers for Dan: Chris in NH Jeremy from Cambridge Beth in Easton which jumps to Side B Joanne in Boston Virginia from Hyde Park Mary in Marshfield Glen from Danvers Mark in Taunton Carol from Quincy And Dawn in Medford Norm does a quick station ID and we hear Jack Harte with a snowy traffic report sponsored by N.E. Car Stereos Rockin’ President’s Sale! Bonus time: The tape concludes with more Norm, but we walk it back to December 28th, 1995? Callers: Don A Birthday Girl who’s turning 14 Anne from N. Reading And an unnamed caller Jack returns with just a sponsor read for the Christmas Tree Shoppes and we close with Kristin from Dorchester and yet another unnamed caller. Episode 126, “Help Wanted, Guidance Given!” benefits your ears…now. Patreon patreon.com/normnathanvos

Welcome back to another episode of Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness. Episode 125 if you’re keeping track at home. Just a brief reminder that you can support the show by becoming a subscriber/patron on Patreon. Some generous souls have joined and I’m forever grateful. But more assistance would be an excellent achievement. Exclusive content is posted every week. Link is below. Let’s venture back to February 10th, 1996 for a scantily clad DBG. And because of this, the title is… “Lingerie-dio.” Huh? Pretty good, right? Our players: The dazed and tired Ed LeClair – producing and playing in studio Jack Harte back from a relaxing couple of days off Denise wearing her feather boa and celebrating her bday Mary in Peabody armed and dare I say, legged with some lingerie knowledge The wheezy Jack from Braintree And Chris in Worcester with some questions Bdays: Robert Wagner Mark Spitz Leontyne Price (Lee-on-teen) Roberta Flack Donovan Lenny Dykstra And Laura Dern Date in History: In what year did “Death of a Salesman” open on Brodaway? The tape switches to side B and Chris from the game talks more about Death of a Salesman. We pick up after the news with about 8 minutes of Bob Hernandez playing one of his games. Callers: Manny Anne George Sam Fred John Beth or no Beth? Spencer And Scott Other naughtiness: Jack’s nightly outfit is described Actuarial tables Norm describes his nighttime ensemble. Jack makes a suggestion that Norm is excited about and will be adding. Court TV Fred Graham and his dirty jokes The Asthma Inhaler Club Theo-Dur asthma pills Plunging necklines and dainty voices Drumrolls and the native dances of Shagra Falling on your spits Water forming on your condenser tubes (you should probably see a doctor about that) Pietro Mascagni Norm pours his soul out Open Doo-dahs Library fines The Hotel Ovary…I mean Avery Tommy Carr and his Men of Melody Norm with a great story from his WMEX days Tony David at the organ live from the Silver Dollar Bar AND cameo appearances by Tonto and the Lone Ranger, Jack Benny and an extremely elderly Alex Trebek from Jeopardy in the year 2100. Episode 125, Lingerie-dio, brings its silky tones to your ears in 3, 2 and 1. patreon.com/normnathanvos

It would help us a whole bunch if you would click on the like button. That can influence the algorithms on all the platforms and we may show up on more people’s casual scrolling or recommended shows. Let’s pack the Teen Canteen every week. Also, each of the past few weeks, I’ve started uploading on Saturday’s. It appears as though we receive more views and listens with that strategy. I will continue to tinker with that as needed. Let’s start the second month of 2023 with a DBG from February 4th, 1996. I should mention that ALL episodes this month, for no particular reason, will hail from 1996. The Title of this one: A Handpicked Panel of Lovely Ladies. The Players: Eddie LeClair producing and playing in studio Ken Newman in Traffic Deena from Bradford, Ontario, Canada Marie in Quincy Lisa from Cortland, NY Lana in Boston The Bdays: David Brenner Conrad Bain Lisa Eichhorn Clint Black Alice Cooper aka Vincent Damon Furnier Dan Quayle Betty Friedan Ida Lupino? Rosa Parks And we have time for 2 Post-Game Callers: Ed in Somerville And Richie from NY Other realities: Coded Traffic Info Traffic Reporter University Vac-U-Traffic w/Kevin Brennan No gloss, all soul Cheek nibbling and head stands Morals of an alley cat CBS Radio Mystery Theater Big Beaks Numerology It is revealed that the excitement of the DBG may contribute to breathing difficulties. If you find yourself in distress, please visit the WBZ Clinic on the 42nd floor. DBG Rules and Handbook and the DBG H.o.F. where you can purchase pictures of muti-game winners for $5.00 each. ‘Llyod from Boxford’ George Burns Solar calculators Apples School Music Programs Ep 124, A Handpicked Panel of Lovely Ladies begins…now. patreon.com/normnathanvos

Let’s do a little house cleaning here with a few announcements. #1 Yet another YT ONLY issue has been plaguing the broadcast with episodes be clipped short during my incredibly well written outros. It’s the hour + shows that are affected. The powers that be have been tinkering with that for a while and hopefully a solution will be attained and the closings can be heard in full! #2 If you haven’t subscribed on Patreon you’ve missed some just so darn wonderful things. I post little stories & audio clips with more on the way. And the only way to see and hear that stuff is to become a Patron for as little as a dollar a month. The link is below in the description box. Of course, as always, please continue to like and share. #3 Whilst listening to a local talk show this week there was a first-time caller named Glenn. Didn’t think much of it except when he introduced himself as a, “70-year-old, blind, piano tuner!” That’s right people, it was Glenn from Brighton. He sounds great and is working at a music shop doing his tuning thing. If you know Glenn, please let him know what we’re doing here and have him reach out and get in touch! Or let me know and I will. All right, house cleansed. Today brings us a DBG from January, 27th, 1996 the title of which is Regurgitated Reminisces. It starts with a ‘foo-nay’ impression of Robert from Everett by Norm. And then directly to the game. Players: Ed LeClair producing and playing in studio Jack Harte in Traffic Buzzie from Weymouth Bob in Boston Emily from Medway Jeff in Leesburg, IN Bdays: The not dead Mikhail Baryshnikov The philosophical Troy Donahue Skitch Henderson Bridgette Fonda 1/29 Tom Selleck Oprah Winfrey John Forsythe Katherine Ross Claudine Longet Other things coming up on us: Norm describes the outfit he wore when he was a Chippendale dancer and it happens to be the very same get-up Jack wears at his second job. Kissing up to the spouse Axing Norm’s father in-law for adwice Froggy throat clearing Dead colleagues from WESX Setting your clock by the belch Riveting conversation about the weather Getting comfortable and staying limber Borders Books carries all the DBGs on cassette Nabisco’s new Cheesey Thespian Batons and low-cut blouses Boxford Snots The Lawrence Eagle Tribune Vinegar, honey, meat, potatoes, jelly and jam Robot wives Feets too big for the bed The Mojo Wire Ski bunnies And some excellent new phrases to embroider on our doilies: “Keeping people awake and breathing hard and thinking of you, honey” “If ya can’t just be stupid, what can ya be?” Ep 123, Regurgitated Reminisces, gurgles its way to your ears in 3,2 annnnnnnd 1. patreon.com/normnathanvos Email the show normnathanvos@gmail.com

Thank you to all the new Patrons that have joined over on Patreon! If you haven’t, you can too, for as little as a dollar a month! You may find the magical link below. We are approaching covering the cost of distribution and then the % zone begins for the NN Scholarship Fund at the Berklee College of Music here in The Hub. More exclusive content was added this week. It’s all just so darn exciting! Today we have a DBG from January 19th, 1992. It’s a pretty, straight forward game so we shall title it: It’s as Straight Forward as it Gets. Creative, I know. Norm begins with an amazing TV host impression and gets right to introducing the players: Mark from Townsend Fernanda in Salem Jimmy from Winthrop Barb in Ontario calling from her hospital bed! I’m producing and playing on the phone from MC And Lou Ambrosino in Traffic Bdays w/ALL the SFX: Phil Everly Dolly Parton Desi Arnaz Jr. Robert Palmer Robert MacNeil (MacNeil/Lehrer Report) Jean Stapleton Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (de quay R) Post-Game we are treated to a romantic Accuwx forecast accompanied by David Lanz on solo piano. It was cold one that night, but the sound of the tinkling ivories warmed our souls. And we close with a call from Paul in Malden. Commercial content you ask? Frugal Fannies! A WBZ News Promo with all our friends from the Morning News Career Tracks offering an audio tape program called, The Psychology of Self-Esteem. Please ask for Operator A. Oh yes, and Norm offers a list of Dead Bdays. Other lowlights: The idea of combining Gold Bond and Eucalyptamint for therapeutic purposes or possibly creating a weaponized strength version is broached. Norm sings! The Square Dance of the Libertarians with David Brudnoy Jack Benny is sick of Jack Benny Chicken Fat Paula Abdul Babley, England An historic moment was had the previous night as it is reported that Mike Epstein didn’t say, “Oh my!” Joe Stapleton is NOT related to Jean Stapleton Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg and its meaning Norm has a collection of sugar packets with scenic views that he shows on his overhead projector. He’s especially proud of his Shore Birds collection. Lima, Peru Lima Beans Dr. Walter Lipschitz Drama and The Essex Street off-ramp Short pants and funny hats Forgotten Casablanca dialog And The Woodsmen’s Weather Stick Ep 122, It’s as Straight Forward as it Gets, beats a path to your ear drums…now. patreon.com/normnathanvos

Kia Ora (Key Orra) to our listeners in New Zealand! Thank you for checking out our little slice of fun here at the Vault of Silliness. I give you Ep 121. It’s a NNS, the majority of which is from January 8th and maybe the 9th, 1994. According to the notes on the cassette, there’s a taste of December 4th, 1993. Because of that this cassette was all over the place. I’ve pieced it together chronologically as best as I could. It appears that December show was the one affected by all the technical issues that Norm briefly discussed in a previous episode. Our title will be: A Slushy Great Adventure of a Show We begin with 12/4/93, The Night of Technical Difficulties with a Jack Harte traffic report that has a section of said trouble and you can hear the smile in Jack’s voice as he soldiers on. Darrell Gould with an intro to another report from Jack Jack and Norm then lament the cancelation of the DBG because of all the problems and glitches. There’s Scott, a Bentley College student. He and Norm talk about working overnights and how to sleep during the day. Another Scott, this time from Wayland, who was on a previous DBG (Ep 114) but had to leave because he got pulled over by the police. He gives us the rest of the story. Plus he asks about Larry Glick, Emperor Hudson and Ron Landry. Some old station call letters are bandied about too: WITS – the I.T.S. standing for Info Talk and Sports, WMEX, WMRE and WSSH We now jump to 1/8/94 The stars must have been aligned because Elvis Presley who’s was ‘appearing’ on top of the dumpster at the Tedeschi’s in Weymouth. His main reason for calling was to request Norm sing Happy Birthday to him. Norma from the N. End – the Old Howard Theater, candy hawkers selling naughty stuff with double entandrés and cats and dogs round out her call. Chris in PA – Jason Robards is sexy and Norm looks just like him. She kindly inquires on the whereabouts of I. Norm gives her the lowdown and reveals just some of the things we do together off the air. Annnnd more cat talk with added raccoon fun. Next caller had some Jazz questions about the Nat King Cole Trio but the call is cut short. Now we hear from the lovely Helene from Belmont – They talk snow, sleet, windshield wiper issues and great adventures. Joan talking Mac Davis, Elvis and more. A great call with our good friend Rick from PA with more on Mac Davis, the TV production of ‘Gypsy’ and Tip O’Neill. His call is interrupted by Lou Ambrosino with an icy traffic report but we do get back to him. We move on to Vivian whom Norm left momentarily speechless. Bob reads ‘Boston Shade of Green’ and a passage from ‘The Seagull’ for Tip O’Neill Fred from NJ and his crazy cats Ritzy and Tiger. We also learn that Fred enjoys telephones and has multiple lines at his house. Other schlunk: Norm has learned special skills from his time in the Orient Profound statements that make you want to throw up Peals of Laughter Engineers climbing all over the transmitter Vitality! Norm sings his High School Fight Song Years passing under the bridge Looking your age Historic Romances Spending the Night with Helene and Norm bringing his jammies Riding Phoebe Snow Ringing phones As for commercial content we get the first sentence of a few sponsors to what our appetite. Ep 121, A Slushy Great Adventure of a Show, slides to your ears…now. patreon.com/normnathanvos

Hello, Ni Hao, Namaste and Selamat siang (suh-lah-mat see-ahng), to our new listeners in Singapore! The first episode of 2023 brings us a DBG from January 2nd, 1993. This one shall be titled: Punny New Year! We're off to a bad start but Take 2 brings smooth sailing. The Members of the Panel: Mary in Somerville Christopher in Boston Addie Lisa from Topsfield Matt Phipps from Traffic, not working but on the phone Jack Harte working in Traffic And I’m producing and playing in studio Norm has to reach into the Birthday Bag and pull-out names from the week: ‘Jailbird’ Jim Bakker – and boy, do we ‘cook up’ all sorts of jokes Diahann Cannon and we have a ‘blast’ with this. Jane Wyman Tony Bennett Woody Allen Robert Duvall Bonnie Franklin Loretta Young – more pun with this one too! And Kenny Loggins Commercials: Baby Gold Bond – Robin McEntire from Tracey CA and her now comfy, less irritated daughter Lou Innis and his watch allergy for Gold Bond Terrific Thursday’s with WBZ and the NE Aquarium We’ve got a party package full of other silliness: Mary, can you hear me? Sensuous ear wax blowing and eye lash batting Miss Downey, one of Norm’s teachers whom he had lust in his heart for. Realizing we have 12 yr old playing Norm apologizes but Chris doesn’t mind at all. Jack Harte’s School of Cockamamie Touch the radio and be healed! Diahann Cannon’s daughter, Jennifer, is in the Teen Canteen audience There’s an interesting technique on how you can surmise a woman’s age. Religious incantations Liberries on toosday and get some noosepapers An important question is posed: Caledonia, Caldeonia what makes your big head so hard? Gasps and Lulls Christopher woke up from a bad dream three minutes before he called in but will not reveal the details to spare the audience from being frightened. We get a descriptive explanation of Addie’s Birthday Game outfit Selling Plumbing Supplies and Indian Blankets just outside of Fond du Lac, WI Phony affectionate laughs Lisa selling her previous prizes on the black market Norm filling requests for his picture by sending the one that appeared in a 1948 National Geographic. Hanging up on the host Lustful dreams And Norm closes with a very serious article from the California Avocado Media Bureau. However, those in Kansas City and Pittsburgh are not going to be happy about it. Ep 120, Punny New Year, drops to your ears in 3, 2 and 1. patreon.com/normnathanvos

Forgive me for being a tad late with the upload. I’m clearly suffering from a post-Christmas daze. But we are here now and ready to close out 2022 with this DBG/NNS combo from December 27th and 28th, 1995 which I have titled: Ringing in the New Year with Some Ding-Dongs. We begin with Norm describing where Jack does his traffic reports from as well as inquiring about what the dress code is or lack thereof. Jack offers a belated Birthday wish to Norm. Norm, who was slighted by Jack’s lack of gifts/card, runs down a list of the celebrity birthday greetings he received. One with a very clever tag line. Mike Epstein, on the other hand, has been sending Norm cards since last February. In addition to Jack and Mike, the rest of the Panel includes: Arlene in Philadelphia, PA Kevin in ME Val in Needham Jean from Kingston Slim pickings on Bdays and Events: Tovah Feldshuh Anna Russell Bernard Lanvin Dr. William Howell Masters Norm takes it to the break, and we move onto the NNS Callers: Fred Alice Ruth from Buzzards Bay Cuts to Norm talking about Lou Gorman, then VP of the Red Sox, who would read a proclamation announcing Lizzie Murphy Day honoring a woman who played semi-pro baseball for 17 years. Here’s Irene talking about the old days in Lawrence and Haverhill. Mike talking Norm’s chickens, big band leaders and music. Mary asking about Norm’s cats. Suddenly Norm is talking to guests. They are Lucy Johnson (aka Princess Cheyenne) and Montana, who were appearing at Matthew’s in Tyngsboro. They chat about pick-up lines, careers, teasers and more…or is it less? At one point Lucy asks Montana to tell a story but…the tape was paused! However, we do pick up when I enter the studio and it gets a bit racy! They took some calls: Mark in Newton who’s made a terrible career choice Neil from Lynn – looking for measurements Dan in Littleton – The Origami Dropper? John from Boston – who needs a ride to Matthew’s Other fun: Imagine if the traffic guy gets hit by a car? Wretches The Homely Father Double your money back if you don’t like the onion soup. I’ll let Norm explain that get rich quick scheme. Happy Chattanooga Day? A Pittsburgh radio host from KDKA, (Bob Jones?) is ghosting Norm. Norm’s Uncle Max was assassinated in 1953 for his sharp sense of humor The new nation of Methuen The other new nation of Swansea The Birthday Game Handbook Have some Madera, my dear. Clenched jaws Gregorian humor A Jack Benny Cameo Frolicking in the woods The Mystery of the Inner Lobe: A little known Spielberg movie Norm’s opinions on Dean Martin Norm speaks sultry French Witty repartee and the rebirth of radio And Norm is very territorial. Ep 119, Ringing in the New Year with some Ding-Dongs, drops into your ears in 3, 2 annnnnnnnd 1. patreon.com/normnathanvos

Christmas weekend’s 2022 cup overflow-ith with an EMC SWQ from Decemebr 23rd, 1994 titled: A Christmas Crossing of Musical Swords We begin with a full-on Norm Open and the it’s showtime. The Panel: Norm, who’s done some homework and has prepared fresh questions. Ed Mullen, whom always does his homework. Steve Leveille – hanging with us after subbing for David Brudnoy and handling folk music. I’m on the phone from a gas station because my car broke down again but I come bearing an armful of Christmas Music questions. And Jack Harte – aspiring Broadway actor The Categories: Rock n Roll Musical Comedy Big band Jazz Folk Music And Christmas Music The Rules: We ask, you ask, we ask again unless you’re wrong then you’re gone or we’re wrong or some facsimile thereof. But for the love…have a question ready for us in the same category AND it would be helpful if you knew the answer! The Prize: Cheap copy of the original, really nice certificate. This time on green paper. The Callers: Keith in the car May in Boston Jacque from Weymouth Dave in Eastie Don from Cambridge John in Boston Greg from Danvers Joseph in Everett Nicholas from Everett Lou in Cambridge Patty from Eastie Brandon in Franklin Norma from the North End which ends in a mystery…or does it? Jack in Boston Rich from Hyde Park Rick in Boston Karen Debbie in Waltham Fred from Yarmouth, ME Janice in Arlington Matt from RI (Norma returns) Tom in Indiana Barry from Worcester And Brian in Everett Norm takes a break but the remainder of the show isn’t on the tape! It ends with the very beginning of a Baby Gold Bond commercial. Other tracks: English is Norm’s third language Michelle Pfeiffer started out in Traffic and even though she threw up all lover the copter pilot she rose to great fame. Toast Calling the neighbors Jack attended the wrong convention What time is lunch served? Santa Claus Grandma And plowing westward making America great Ep 118, A Christmas Crossing of Musical Swords, lunges towards your ears, now. patreon.com/normnathanvos

Thank you to my new Patreon subscribers for supporting the effort to leave this world a little sillier than we found it. These days, a little silly is a lot of silly. You can support the channel here for as little as a dollar a month. If just the 140 subscribers on YT gave that I would cover the costs of distribution in about 4 months. I know there are more of you out there who listen through Spotify, Apple, Google, Castos, and many other platforms. If more of you climb on board, we can start to build that percentage for the Norm Schloarship Fund at Berklee here in Boston. Silly, supportive AND philanthropic? Talk about a triple threat! patreon.com/normnathanvos I am thinking of ways to provide supporter only content on Patreon to lure you into the cobwebs of my mind. Plus we can message there as well and you can reveal the dark secrets regarding the ways you listened to Norm as you pressed your radio to your ear. I have been alerted to the fact that my outros are being cut off. Are they that bad? The authorities are looking into it. Maybe that’s some subscriber only content for Patreon. The non-cut short outro? Yeah…I didn’t think so. On to today’s feature presentation…Just a mere 9 days after last week’s episode, this one is from December 19th, 1993. A DBG to be exact and Norm’s Bday Eve! Let’s call it, “A Pithy Bit of Fun.” It begins with an odd snippet of a call: a threat to The Loverboy from NH from The Butcher in Salem, MA. And then directly to the game. Players: Dave Sherri from Flint, MI Roger the Welshman in Southbridge, MA Bert in Potts Grove, PA John Kelly producing and playing in studio I’m on the phone And Aaron Sawyer in Traffic Bdays: Cicely Tyson Tim Reid Al Kaline Little Jimmy Dickens Robert Urich Alyssa Milano Jennifer Beals Kevin McHale Other gifts: Unwanted, NO reward posters of Norm at the post office. Lionel Barrymore and Jack Benny cameos Swell dancers, great dressers, with sandals, knee socks, plus-fours, a cape, a Spanish shirt with the green and white cummerbund, a pith helmet with a year’s supply of leechee nuts in the sweatband…and underneath it all? A loin cloth. Ep 117, “A Pithy Bit of Fun” flirts with your ears in 3, 2 and 1.

Patreon patreon.com/normnathanvos Here we are with a very special episode of NNVoS. It hails from December 10th, 1993 and is appropriately titled: It’s Shearing You’re Hearing We begin with Carol Stein-Krauss, the PR manager from Parker Bros talking about the company and its games. There’s lots of cool info about Trivial Pursuit and Monopoly plus Company history, challenges and more. Next is an absolutely, fantastic interview with George Shearing who was appearing at Sculler’s in the Guest Quarter Suite Hotel. The talk is so varied. Everything from classical influences and relations to Jazz, sissy accents, great stories and lots of silliness from George. And it all gets even better when Ellie Shearing, George’s wife joins the fun. They also take calls: Bob in Boston Janet from Arlington Scott in Provincetown Hank Pete in Lawrence And Bob in NH Other extras for your dining and dancing pleasure: Norm reading the weather Top and Bottom Hour News Sounders Darrell Gould intros Jack Harte for traffic And Norm is seriously thinking about the need to re-do shows We can’t leave out the commercials: Norm does a read for: The National Credit Group. It’s ok to tell Norm about your bad credit because he’s a Dr. And if you’d like to remove all your clothes… Frank and Shirley for the NEW Westborough Antique and Flea Market. Marezine with the former, highly disoriented Linda Kern. The Club (now available in designer colors!) ADT Home Security The red and chafed Jim Brown of Grand Prairie TX for Gold Bond Classic Ovaltine with Paul Rossi drinking it live from Valley Stream NY! And a brief sprinkle of Baby Gold Bond Oh…make sure you listen closely to the end of the interview as George gets the last laugh. Ep 116, It’s Shearing You’re Hearing, tickles its way to your auditory canals…now. patreon.com/normnathanvos

Let me take a moment to inform you that I now, finally, have a Patreon acct. This is something I've been meaning to do for a while now. Over the past 2 years I've dedicated a lot of time putting this podcast together. Your support would allow me to continue to create content and grow the channel. I'm asking for $1.00 a month for a subscription. Of course, you are welcome to give more if you are so generously inclined. Most importantly, a percentage of your contribution will be donated to the Norm Nathan Scholarship Fund at the Berklee College of Music! You will find the link in the description box. In the words of Bartles & Jaymes... "We thank you for your support." As we begin the month of Norm’s birth we have what is truly a near perfect example of Norm’s excellence. His personality, the callers, the show and what it all meant to the listeners. When did this achievement in radio occur? December 4th & 5th, 1993. Because the reports with Bruce ‘Don’t Call Me Brian’ Connolly are super-entertaining the title of this episode will be: Trafficking in Laughter! Sid Whitaker was producing. We begin with a story, in progress, about Uncle Louie and Guinness Stout from a caller that sounds familiar, but I cannot place a name to the voice. Norm then adds his own story about someone named Ethel. Norm teases a guest who writes obituaries for a paper in the South and we jump to Accuweather with Paul Pastelok introduced by Newsman, Ed Donahue. And now the fun begins, as Norm and Bruce Connolly begin their night of frivolity with the traffic reports. We talk with 90-year-old Porter Harvey who owns a newspaper, The Advertiser-Gleam, in Guntersville, AL. It’s a folksy kind of paper. Strictly local news. He told stories about writing obits and adding a little more than the usual family, friends and arrangements stuff. After that we get another report with Bruce sponsored by the Norm Nathan Orchestra and the Bruce Connolly Quintet Now it’s time for lots of callers: I believe the caller’s name was Dorothy – 1st time she’s ever called a station Glen in Portsmouth, NH Helene from Belmont – singing and thinking of lyrics to songs whilst driving the car is the subject. Norm mentions some of his favs and they discuss many tunes and recite lines from them to each other. Charlie from Manassas,VA - he Norm singing a theme from a program that hadn’t been on the air for 50 years. Charlie has high praise for the show! He's trying to start a fan club in Manassas. Bruce with traffic and we switch to side B where Bruce and Norm continue with the silly. Norm moves to the back rows of the Teen Canteen with two pretty girls that just came in and asks Bruce to project so they can hear him. A comment about Joe Stapleton causes Norm to burst out laughing. Dave from Uxbridge but really from Whitinsville. More high praise. He’s a bluegrass musician with the band Southern Rail. He has been loving the traffic reports and makes an awful third harbor tunnel joke that I thoroughly enjoyed. This led Norm to reveal that he subbed for Joe Green in the traffic copter?! Dave also objects to the stupid infomercials that had booted Norm off the air on Sunday nights. Jim on a car phone –Gives his own foggy and rainy traffic report. Glenn in Brighton – asking about the instrument called the Theremin. Jim calling in about Dave and his band, Southern Rail. He’s a fan and says Dave’s a wicked good player. He was actually a former student! Informs us that when Dave was only 19 years old he scored a great achievement. The most-brief call with Robert from Everett Then it’s on to Pat! – a nutty caller with nutty questions that

Sorry for the late posting but I was stuffed from Thanksgiving and just woke up from tryptophan coma. Let’s begin: Assalamualaikum to our new listener country of Bangladesh! Ep 114 brings us a DBG/NNS combo from November 25th and maybe 26th, 1993. I’ve titled it: A Turkey Sandwich of Thanksgiving Wishes. Players: Joe from Revere Rod the Security Guard from the front desk at WBZ Scott in his car from Wayland Anne from the Catskills area of NY Greg ‘Doug, Jeff’ Ebben producing and playing in studio And the affable Jack Harte in Traffic Bdays: Amy Grant JFK Jr Ricardo Montalbán Joe DiMaggio Bucky Dent John Larroquette Kathryn Crosby And Christina Applegate We now move to NNS time! Callers with tons of Happy Thanksgiving wishes and other praise! Carolyn in NC Mike in Boston Mike from Kingston Jerry in Natick Katie in beeyooteefull Cape Breton, Canada The one and only, Generosa! Peggy Lavera in Charlottesville, VA Jim from Manchester, NH Bill from Jaffrey, NH May in Boston Steve who wanted to thank Norm personally for something Norm helped him with back in February. I will let him tell the story so you just hang in there for it. Pete in Roslindale We close with a commercial for The Secret Garden at the Colonial Theater and then Norm teases SMQ and signs off. Other leftovers: Mixing metaphors and Old English sayings and speaking in dead languages Bad Math Through the entire game, Anne, unintentionally, does a great Gabby Hayes impression. Rod reveals that he has been tutoring Mike Epstein on bdays! Sipping Does Scott get hauled off to the ol’ Gray Bar Hotel? Is his one phone call used to return the DBG? Scratchy tapes Anne gives us some fantastic inside baseball observations. Norm likes his floozies young. Yula Grunes(Runes? Rooms? Grooms?) and Donald Lowzahn were married today on top of a wedding cake float at the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade. And cooking a special dinner for your pet? Ep 114, A Turkey Sandwich of Thanksgiving Wishes, begins to baste your ears in wonderfulness…now.

Let’s begin episode 113 with some Happy Birthday wishes to one of Norms’ daughters, Sonja. Still 39 and holding here on November 19th. Happy Birthday my sister from another mister! Today also brings us a DBG from November 19th, 1994 that shall be titled: Foot Fetish Radio. This one starts right away. And besides Sonja, there’s a plethora of interesting people born on this day. Players: Alan in Smithfield, RI – a 1st timer Lois in Fitzwilliam, NH – 1st timer Marge in IN Hillary in Buck’s County, PA Brian McKinley – barely producing, playing in studio and just taking up space And Jack Harte in Traffic who’s also ‘moonlighting’ on RoadWatch America Bdays: Norm’s daughter Sonja is officially recognized for her day of birth and suddenly it becomes an ESL class. Dick Cavett – he has a foot fetish? Ted Turner – he had a Fonda Fetish… Calvin Klein Jodie Foster Meg Ryan Alan Young Larry King And Jean Kirkpatrick Other details: Norm is woozy because Hillary wants more of him. Rustling papers is driving her crazy, over and over again. We find out that some people are famous for being famous. It’s nice to live in a world of fantasy. Norm is not very dad-like but more of a freelance single guy, making out with everybody. A behind the scenes secret is revealed: We perform tests to determine the tackiness, tastelessness and uselessness of DBG prizes. Jack Benny, Mason Adams and Jim Backus make cameo appearances. And if you ever wondered where Norm got his last name from…the wait is over! Ep 113, Foot Fetish Radio, strides its way to your ears in 3, 2 and 1.

Zdravey (Hello)! Kak varvi (How’s it going)? To our new listeners in Bulgaria! Thank you all so much for joining us again here at Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness. Today the Vault has graced us with a DBG from November 8th, 1992. This is a good one with plenty of silly banter. I have titled it: Locally Sourced We begin with LOTS of Lottery numbers, some sports scores and then the magnificent DBG Theme. The Players: Mark in SC Hazel in Ontario, Canada Robert from Everett Lisa in Topsfield I’m producing and in studio And Fred Jendren from Traffic The Bdays: Katherine Hepburn Morley Schaffer Bonnie Raitt Patti Page Dr. Christiaan Barnard Mary Hart Rickie Lee Jones June Havoc And Leif Garrett The highlight reel includes: Quite the list of other locals. You may want to get a notebook and pen to keep track. The Spirit is here, twice I believe. We are privy to an on-air affair and it’s really something else. Norm, that sweet talker, is in prime Romeo mode here. Is it sneaked or snuck? Jack Benny makes an appearance. Robert from Everett has thousands of 8x10’s and 16 pounds of make-up. We close with a Patriot’s promo with Gil Santos and a goodnight from Norm! Ep 112, Locally Sourced, has been freshly picked for your ears and starts now. normnathanvos@gmail.com

Let me take a moment to acknowledge the anniversary of Norm’s passing. October 29th marked 26 years. I hope you’re enjoying listening to these on that great radio in the sky as much as I enjoy producing them. Now from the sublime to the ridiculous… We are back for another dive into Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness. This time it’s DBG from November 3rd, 1991 which, borrowing a phrase from the game, is titled: The Night of 200 Wolfies. We start with a lovely Show Open and some Lottery numbers. Break for some commercials (which I will list in a just a bit) and then the sweet sounds of the DBG Theme Players: Paul in Stoughton Jimmy from Winthrop Norma from the N. End Constance in Weymouth Jack from Laconia, NH I’m producing and in studio And Lou Ianazzo in traffic Bdays with all the sfx: Bob Feller Charles Bronson Michael Dukakis Ken Berry Lulu Roseanne Barr Arnold James Reston Adam Ant And one from November 5th… Roy Rogers We are giving thanks early for the cornucopia of commercial content: Florine Mark for Weight Watchers Call for Action and the Mass Bar Association Promo for ‘Ask the Lawyer’ Resolve Stop Smoking Kit with Steve Allen ‘Tom & Russ’ for J&C Adams doors, windows, and stuff voiced by Peter Meade Join WBZ and Jordan Marsh for an evening to benefit Children’s Hospital at the Enchanted Village at Downtown Crossing Carpet Giant Our good buddy, Patrick Palladino Jr of Winchester, MA for Gold Bond. And Keep It In Your Sneaker Other highlights: We lost Thanksgiving but it was recently found down in Cohasset? A Half-hearted Jack Benny makes an appearance. Norma does an excellent impression of a wind tunnel and later Norm adds his own sfx. Norm reveals he was filling out his letter of resignation during the game. Players wishing me a long and happy marriage. Norm adds if it’s an unhappy marriage it’ll seem a whole lot longer. Norm was prophetic about that. Norm makes a bold statement regarding this particular game. Norm gives some insider information on where and how Bob Raleigh stores and accesses his pens. I get to feel the power of ending a call. And we end the game with a cryptic message from Paul. Norm fills the time before news with the weather and tells us about a new program starting that very Sunday morning from 7-9am…Neil Chayet and Looking at the Law. It was replacing Dr. Howard Smith who had high-tailed it to the West Coast. Norm sends it to News after he teases us with a history question. The News Sounder segues nicely into the Traffic Sounder and a report from Lou Lou Lou Ianazzo. A very moving Accuwx forecast with Dave Bowers and Norm trying to sound like he’s on public radio. This all gives way to another Show Open and Norm gives the answer to the that pre-news question. EP 111, The Night of 200 Wolfies, races its way to your streaming devices in 3, 2 and 1. normnathanvos@gmail.com

Hello everyone. Welcome to Norm Nathan’s Vault of Spookiness. We have a hauntingly good show for you today that has risen from the October 30th, 1995 archives. Let’s call this one Norm-O-Ween. Norm was joined by 2 guests. First up was Linda Spencer, author of Knock on Wood. As you may have guessed from the title it’s about all sorts of superstitions and the history behind them. I STILL have this book in the Nesbitt Tomb of Tomes. During the interview a question arises regarding witches riding brooms. There are other sweeping thoughts that will whisk you away because we take a few calls. Tony on a pay phone at Logan Airport with some broom news Joan from S. Weymouth with more info from the ‘newsbroom’ Helen from Weymouth Debbie in Malden Kevin in Abbington – who then disappears? A caller who adds some other cool ‘witch-story.’ Norma from the N. End on hats, umbrellas, poles and cracks. And our male listeners get some advice on how to meet a mate by naming clean socks, getting in bed backwards and dreaming…what? Some static starts to come through on the tape…and you know what that means? Time to clean the tape deck! Next is Haunted Hotels: A Guide to American and Canadian Inns by Robin Meade. They talk about/mention hotels in MA including Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury. Now they only mention it here, but I will share a story with you. That’s where my wife and I had our experience with the ghost of Jerusha Howe. Norm also refers to a previous guest Laurie Jacobson who wrote Hollywood Haunted and Robin has some great stories to add. Episode 110, Norm-O-Ween, howls it’s way to your ears, now.

We are back and healthy for Episode 109 which is a SMQ from the esteemed Ed Mullen Collection. This one hails from October 20th, 1993. Mike Epstein was producing. We begin with a Darrell Gould intro to Jack Harte and then Accuwx with Dave Ryan. The usual suspects comprise the panel with the addition of a beautiful moll: Linda Chase, who joins us later. Before we start, Norm mentions he had been to the Portsmouth Music Hall for the Harry W. Jones Memorial Education Fund jazz concert (and he wore a tie!) Featured artists were: The Tommy Gallant Trio, Dave McKenna, Dick Johnson, The Swing Shift, Herb Pomeroy, Gray Sargent, Marshall Wood, Donna Burn, Les Harris Jr., plus relatives of Harry Jones, Sharon Jones Jenkins & Tom Jones. It’s time to explain the rules, categories, and prizes that no one will understand until around 2:15am. The callers that fill the quiz are as follows: Joe from Hyde Park Kevin in Providence, RI Fred from Medford Rich from Dorchester Ann in Quincy Ritchie in Winthrop ‘Dial tone’ Diane in Duxbury Dave in Madison, WI! Dave from Plymouth Gil in Salem, MA Yomico from Shadyside, OH Diane in Duxbury Michael in NH Andrew in Norwell Joan from Hull Colin from Hingham Alex in Somerset, PA John in Bedford Rob from Duxbury Al in Eastie Helene in Belmont Nancy from Exeter, NH Kate from Beverly Faye in Waltham Don in W.Va Denise from Brookline Michael in JP Other highlights: Ed and Norm had just seen Linda at Ken’s Steakhouse. Tony had seen here at Natalie’s The Teen Canteen chanting for news! Norm has an Oreck and likes to keep his house spotless. So clean you could eat off the floors. Norm worked really hard on his musical comedy questions and nobody is asking for them! And are we in for quite the variety of Commercials which are entertainment in and of themselves: The show ‘Falsettos’ WBZ Afternoon News Promo Barry and Elliot for Jordan’s Furniture Silver City Dodge The London sensation! The Madness of George the III. Pilgrim Healthcare EarthTunes at the NE Aquarium ‘Skates of Gold’ at the Boston Garden Baby Gold Bond VT Teddy Bear Co read by Arthur Godfrey and a cameo by Jack Benny with full musical accompaniment by the panel Aloise Avrilla for Oreck Vacuums James Rife and Jim Brown for Gold Bond The queasy Linda Kern and Hazel Dew for Marezine And Kas Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner Episode 109, The Swell Music Quiz, Ed Mullen Collection V2, makes a sojourn to your speakers in 3, 2 and 1.

Before we begin you may have noticed a bunch of repeat postings of previous episodes. The issue that has been plaguing us has been corrected and, in order to test that, we had to repost. It looks sloppy but I don’t want to delete them as they have received views. Thanks for your patience. Now everyone should be able to enjoy the shows on their desktops and laptops. Hopefully it’s the last of the glitches. Welcome to Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness very own October Surprise or should I say ‘Vault-tober Surprise?’ The fam and I have all caught the ‘Vid. For three of us it’s Round 2 for the other two it’s their first time. We all ended up with what amounts to a bad head/chest cold. That’s not the surprise though. Because of feeling under the weather, we are just going to start this episode and let it fly! I can tell you it’s a NNS/DBG/NNS from October 16th, 1993. As for who’s playing and all those other details…we’re gonna find out together. And, based on the notes on the cassette, the surprise continues after the show! Ep 108, The Vault-tober Surprise, begins now. normnathanvos@gmail.com

This week’s episode is a DBG from October 5th, 1996 which I’ve titled, “Age-vantages.” Tom Howie was producing. We begin with quite the intro for Jack Harte from Norm. Norm laments the transitions of the season but because he is a doctor, please take off everything and he will only look at you in a medical manner. Jack believes it all starts with windows going from opened to closed and that brings on general malaise. There’s some Kyrie and Bobo talk (Norm’s Newfoundland dogs). We are informed that people walk all over Norm because he’s too good of a person and Jack wastes no time requesting Norm’s help with something. The subject of growing old comes up along with it’s advantages and disadvantages. We get some incredible wisdom and insight from a stupid guy Norm knew and everyone’s favorite HGPG. The Players: Jack Harte Mike from Marlborough Joanne from Everett Charlie in Malden And Betty from Sudbury During the introductions we venture into the “what exactly is middle age” territory and what age was it hardest to turn. The Birthdays: Bill Dana Glynis Johns Karen Allen Donald Pleasance…no, wait… Steve Miller Sir Bob Geldof Diane Cilento, Sean Connery’s ex-wife…on second thought Some Dead Bdays: Chester A. Arthur Ray Crock And Alan Ludden The game ends with an Historic Event question: In what year was The World Series first broadcast on radio? Other highlights: Joanne hearing static and another station on the line. Norm says turn it up it’s probably a lot better than this. Newfoundland dogs help everything. Norm was not a hunk. Norm’s friend, Sydney Gelpi (sp?), had his own room with pin-up pix on the walls. Mike needs socks. WBZ is older than Norm. Norm remains terribly behind in sending out prizes but in the end, it doesn’t matter because it’s all junk. Norm’s father describing the younger Norm. And Jack was at a charity function that his fine lady, Moneen was hosting where a 25-piece Big Band and singer Toni Ballard were performing. Let’s get the candles lit on Episode 107, “Age-vantages”…now.

Thanks for joining us again as we close out September 2022 with a Norm Nathan Show from September 29th, 1996. This one is titled: BillyBobNorm. Steven Adams was producing. Also thank you for sticking with us, listening on your phones and from every other platform where we cast with no damn issues! Still no resolution to our little problem on YT. And with no response from my queries as to what’s goin’ on…I find that YouRUDE. Before we dive into this episode, I’d like to say, “namaste” to our new listeners in India! Here we go: Billy Clyde’s got his dander up in an excited dialogue with Norm about music, then and now! Norm teases guest Bob Hernandez who’ll be playing his game Significa! And, again, Norm is WAAAAY behind in tacky, junk gift mailings. To DBG or not to DBG, that is the question? Shayna in traffic…or not…orrrrrrr? Kevin in Dorchester Wally in Waltham With a malfunctioning peepers keyring in need of replacement we have Marge in IN Jim in Lowell and another subject arises: banned records. Not BAND records but banned records. We now roll on to Bob Hernandez and the aforementioned game, Significa! Bob will give ask 3 questions. Answer all three and WIN! Significa was 4 pack of small travel games covering varying subjects: History, Geography, Literature and more. Callers: Debbie in Malden Bill from Lynn Marian in Easton Jenny from Plymouth Joanne in North Reading Ken from Roslindale Christopher in Lowell Christine from Worcester Bob in Waltham – maybe not Joe from Melrose Anne in PA Kelly from Weymouth Bob is back! Dorothy in Bridgewater Doug from Newton Michael in Chelmsford Whitney Horace in Brookline Matt in Weymouth Laura from PA Lynne in Malden Joel from Natick Ken in Cambridge Lisa from upstate NY Bob in Leominster Bill from Braintree Bob in Richmond, VA Geri in Everett John from Boston (aka Chauncy without the extra accent!) Heather in Wilmington, MA Priscilla from Weimar, PA Fred in Kennebunk, ME Vivian from Malden Beth in Boston Jay from Dorchester Loose ends… Callers hearing Norm with an echo and a whoosh! Traffic reporters are a happy lot hoping for a big traffic jam. Jim says Norm has a nice singing voice and Norm mentions he’ll be singing with a The Bob Bachelder Band to benefit Self Esteem Boston at the Wonderland Ballroom in Revere. He had rewritten all the lyrics to Cole Porter’s “You’re the Top.” Stay tuned as I will replay that magnificent performance. And a question is posed, “Where’s the Gong?” Ep 106, BillyBobNorm, begins in 3, 2 and 1.

We have another NNS/DBG/NNS from September 21st & 22nd, 1996. Title: Cruising the Radio Waves Tom Howie was producing. We begin with a couple of jokes from a caller, Bruce the skip to Norm talking to Linda about sports talk shows, negativity and talking like an ass. Now on to caller, Elizabeth, whom Norm hasn’t spoken with in a long time. She was former WBZ producer Eddie LeClair’s fiancé. We learn that’s not the only thing that can be referred to as former. There’s a caller asking about Norm’s recent trip to Bermuda, his daughters, Sonja and Sarah, glaucoma and a renown eye doctor. We move to Norm talking about all the wacky National Day of stuff such as: Dear Diary Day, Ice Cream Cone Bday, Long Count Day, National Centenarians Day, National Good Neighbor Day and more. It’s time for the DBG! Members of the Panel: Jim in MI Elizabeth from Allston Michael in JP Michelle and Todd from Salem, MA Shayna in Traffic? Maybe not. Bdays: Tommy Lasorda Shari Belafonte Debbie Boone Joan Jett Scott Baio Bob Lemon There’s some weird noises and other discussions before we get to a date in History question: When did Fiddler on the Roof open on Broadway? A ton of fun is had during the game with impressions, great talk about Jack Benny and skit recreations. Jim in MI was using the GE SuperRadio III and picking WBZ up nicely. Elizabeth and Norm talk for a while longer after the game. She had spoken to Ed before she played and relates his thoughts to Norm. Norm mentions that he hosted “A Child’s Guide to Instruments of the Orchestra.” We Break for news. He announces what he’s going to do but does it quietly because other stations steal our ideas. He gives out the phone number even though he’s tired of seeing it scrawled on the bathroom walls. We come back with a caller, Don, complaining about a WBZ promo and a Beatles song. Joan Jett was a guest star on The Highlander tv show? Sheena Easton too? There was a concern that the classical audience is getting older and older but that fear is put aside with a call from Robin in Lynn. She and her 8-year-old love classical music and would be going to the Symphony! Norm expounds on the virtues of musical tastes including mine. Shirley in MI was so happy that Norm was back from his trip. Next is Ron who praises Elizabeth and her call. Then Beatrice in W. Roxbury – Happy to have Norm back from his trip too. Talks about Arthur Fiedler and tells a story of being at Symphony Hall where everyone was waiting for Fiedler to arrive. He was late because he helped fight the Vendome Fire. He was an honorary firefighter and took that very seriously. Our last caller was Jim who was also in Bermuda but on a different cruise. They talk about the high cost of living on the island. We end with a classic tag line from Norm. Episode 105, Cruising the Radio Waves, sets sail to your ear canals…now.

Let me take a minute to thank YT for not doing anything again this week about the publishing issues we all experience when you’re trying to listen on a regular ol’ computer. You guys do nothing and do it extremely well. So, thanks again. Let’s start the frivolity! Episode 104 is a 31-year-old DBG from September 14th, 1991. I’ve titled it: Voices in the Night We begin with Norm’s Show Open with some extra fun thrown in as we segue directly to the ‘original’ DBG theme. Norm defines not only the game but really what his and now this show is all about. If someone asks you about it, you can use his words to describe it: A silly concept that creates moments of hilarity. Players: Charlene in Braintree Paul from Malden Pat in Melrose Lenny from Charlestown I'm producing and on the phone from Master Control and saying hello to a few hard-working ladies. Jack Harte says hello to some hard-working ladies as well. Truthfully there wasn’t much difference between them. Norm seemed to be familiar with one of the names Jack mentioned. Bdays w/ALL the SFX: Joey Heatherton Mary Frances Crosby Clayton Moore On to 9/16 Alan Funt Ed Begley Jr. – back again because we had him on the previous episode which was from 1993 so if you recall that show, subtract 2. Peter Falk – back again as well for another ‘look.’ B.B. King Lauren Bacall – a ‘noteworthy’ return also from the last episode Other things: Could a tape of Jack laughing become a collector’s item? It was Farm Stand Day. Norm wasn’t sure he was going to attend as he forgot to shave. I told him the ladies love the scruff. Because of that he just may reconsider. He may even be there early. I left Norm reading some headlines for the bottom hour news update to honor the newsman part of his career. And we close it with a couple of commercials: Camelot at the N.S. Music Theater and Waldron Bay Real Estate properties commercial with some smoooooth jazz as the background music. Episode 104, Voices in the Night, begins transmission to your ears, now.

Today we have a NNS/DBG/NNS from September 10th, 1993. We get a little pre-game Norm, game-time Norm and then post-game Norm. Titled: Words to Live By Mike Epstein is producing. It all begins with a Jack Harte traffic report and then on to the callers. Chauncy who nominates Norm for some special recognition. Rich from W Roxbury Lorriane in Boston who seconds the nomination. Please grab a pen and paper as the call includes a list of doily embroidery phrases. Email us at normnathanvos@gmail.comn with pictures of those completed projects. My favorite is the advice Norm was given by his alcoholic Uncle. Jack in Somerville with compliments and a favor to ask. Beth in MI who accuses another caller, Weldon, of telling fibs! Heading to 3am we hear the top hour news sounder and then cut to Big Bill Watson introducing Jack in Traffic. Then the Accux forecast with Dave Ryan followed by Norm with the Temp, Lottery, Sports and Intro with full Show Open that leads us to the DBG and that special theme song in its entirety! It’s one of games where Norm delves into the upcoming week for more dates. The Players: Joe in Brockton Joanne from Fairmont, W. VA Rich from W. Roxbury Lorraine in Jamaica Plain Mike Epstein and Jack Harte The Bdays: Brian De Palma Tom Landry 9/13 Jacqueline Bissett Nell Carter Mel Torme On to Side B to finish out that first half of the game before we break for the bottom hour news. Bill Watson, Jack Harte and Dave Ryan do their thing before we return to the game! Moving on to 9/16 Lauren Bacall Ed Begley Jr. Peter Falk And then it’s Back to 9/13 for Claudette Colbert Before news time we take a call from Paula in Dracut She asks about Norm’s dogs. She is also heading to video a wedding and that starts a conversation that carries over after the top of the hour. All the usual suspects are back for news and then we finish up with Paula and close with Kevin from Roxbury who continues the talk about video recordings of everything. Norm gives great examples as it’s EXACTLY what’s going on now! Do we tape too much of ourselves? Wow…this was prophetic. It’s definitely a problem. I’ll save that discussion for my other channel, Tony Nesbitt’s Vault of Annoyances. Other things: Norm impresses again with his impressions. Norm inquiring if there are any younger women who prefer older men. Real older men. Jimmie Walker and Johnny Walker. And Norm name drops the photographer from his wedding. We are fully loaded with commercial content! The rich, chocolaty taste of after school Ovaltine. WBZ NewsRadio sales spot with Norman Sigorsky of Woodworkers Warehouse and advertising on Monday Night Quarterback Dunkin Donuts Baby Gold Bond with Gwendolyn Jones of Ft. Lauderdale FL Kid Company Promo Not one. Not two. But a Threequel of very serious commercials for Silver City Ford Hyundai Coachmen and Dodge Toyota bolstered by the legal powerhouse of Odotto, Cascadden and Hoke! They’re going to have “on-site disposal agents.” Bill Marlowe for Floramo’s! Triple Action Gold Bond Medicated Powder with Michael Cook from Grand Praire, TX and his heat rash The screechy Bessy Duprie for Classic Ovaltine WBZ TV Promo Baby Gold Bond w/Louise Fallon of Brooklyn, NY and her red, irritated baby Hazel Dew is thankful for her new-found self-confidence because of Marezine The dry and flaky James Rife of Riverdale, IL for Gold Bond The

Today’s episode in a NNS from September 1st and possibly the 10th, 1994. I have titled it: ‘Radio Hopscotch’ because there’s a lot of skipping from call to call. It appears to be the last hour of the 9/1 broadcast and then we jump ahead to some other September nights and conclude with what is labelled as 9/10. Brian McKinley was producing. I found this whole cassette to be endlessly entertaining. There’s a lot here for me to whet your appetite with. It all begins with a call from Fred in Medford about WHDH. Skip to Norm talking about a pianist who seemed to know how to play every song. 36 musicians in some orchestra with I believe Dave McKenna? Norm sat two tables away from Frank Sinatra! Skip to talking to Robert from Everett! Now we are in for a treat as this is the first of TWO calls from Robert in this episode! Norm was going to be participating in a charity comedy show at the Comedy Connection. Skips to a different caller from Maryland (maybe named Irv?) talking about WBZ history and a question for Norm, “Who were the talent known as ‘The Live Five?’” You’ll have to stay tuned for the answers. Norm had recently spoken to Jess Cain. Norm cites Jess as an inspiration to because of all the wild stuff he would do on WHDH and Norm felt he had to keep up and be wild too. We hear from Charlie in Abington with some broadcasting advice for Norm Then Larry who started listening about a year ago when he began a third shift job as a security guard and loves the show. Norm teases the guest for tomorrow night (kind of) then the kids in the Teen Canteen whoop it up one more time and he sends it to the morning news. Now on to a Jack traffic report and spot for Store 24 Lovell Dyett makes an appearance! Norm talks to Lovell about Sophia Loren and the temptations that are flaunted at big time radio folks. Norm enlightens us on his most recent one. Moving on, here’s Norm introducing Rob Floyd in Traffic but no report because we skip to a caller, Kathy. Fred from NJ talking about a lady who sends him apple pies. The worst he’s ever tasted. He also tells a story about being at a BBQ and overhearing a conversation. The woman, when she was younger, couldn’t go to sleep at night until she checked under the bed. Sparked a conversation where many people there had done the same thing. That prompts Norm to mention a play called ‘Small Wonder’ A very interesting plot that I’m certain you’ll ‘see the point too.’ Norm worries more about walking down a dark city street than living in the woods. Norm has never seen a UFO. Let’s Jump to Norm talking with Jim Morley or Morlia, a toll taker on the Tobin Bridge for 20+ years. We get some insight into the big-time broadcasting dollars he was paid when he began his radio career. Next caller, Tom, says a bad word and apologizes. Tom also said how sorry he was to hear about Norm’s wife Norma passing. She had been gone for nearly three years. Norm tells a great story about Fr. Dick Schmaruk who gave the eulogy at Norma’s services. Next caller, Mike, who believes he met Linda Chase and tells the Howard Stern fans to be nice. Norm teases a guest for the next show and he signs off from another September day. Here’s the next night with Norm talking to traffic reporter Rob Floyd who needs to call Norm’s brother in-law to fix some stuff. Norm takes the blame for Adam and Eve being banished from the Garden of Eden. Suddenly there’s a Jack traffic spot for Exxon and then Jack reports on every work crew in and around Boston. All I’ll say next is Jack, gawkers and cockpit. Norm says he’s the ‘throw-away act&rsquo

Before we get started I want to thank everyone for listening not just to last week’s Big 100th episode but all the time, every week. Since I mentioned the 100th let me quickly explain the weirdness that went on with it. This was only a YT problem. Though displaying the full length, time-wise, it would only play for 2 seconds on desktop computers! Mobile phones worked with the YT app as well as all the other streaming services. We just may end up with a whole row of that broadcast until the issue is resolved. It’s silly but we wouldn’t have it any other way. I also want to thank Jack Harte again for stopping by. And another enormous thank you to Joan McCool. Her dedication and time she lovingly put in to recording Norm is really unsurpassed. And I know she’ll be pleased with what I have to say next… “Dia huit” to our new listeners in Ireland! We’re ‘lucky’ to have you. If you recall, last month we had a SMQ and it was mentioned that we were going to be back in August with another. As promised, we are back. This is from August 17th, 1995. And this one is direct from the Ed Mullen Collection (EMC)! After approximately 26 years, Ed and I met for lunch and he arrived baring gifts. A lovely box full of SMQ’s and other treasures. We will meet again and I plan on having Mr. Ed on the show. These SMQ’s will be titled “The Ed Mullen Collection (EMC)” This being Volume 1 – All-Star Callers. Not only because of the excellent questions but there were a couple who were of some notoriety. Here we find Uncle Norm filling in for Bob Raleigh. Mike Epstein is producing. BTW, Mike is on that future guest hit list too. The Esteemed Panel: Norm Ed Mullen Jack Harte Where’s Tony? Fear not as I do appear after receiving treatment in the trainer’s room for a pulled music muscle. You know the categories. As always, before we begin, Ed reads the rules and makes them as clear as ever. Norm reiterates the rules with even more clarity. Those rules plague us, well, plague Norm really, throughout. Let me note here that, for some reason, we were accepting requests for particular decades! And taking questions for fun. The callers were as follows… Kevin in RI Barbara from Brookline Virginia in Roslindale Ben from Hudson Deedee in W. VA Deborah from Malden Bill in JP Ed from Cambridge Dana in Salem Jay from Bridgewater Sal in NH Chris from Roslindale Ginny from East Bridgewater David in Quincy Jim from Boston Bruce in NJ Enos from PA Bill in NH Charles in Plymouth Jerry from Natick – who, at the end of his call, says something we completely missed. Listen closely as it would have generated a bunch of questions from us if we were paying attention. Phil in Johnstown Toni from Braintree Steve in VA – Colonial Beach VA is Norm Nathan Country! Fred from ME – needs another certificate to finish wallpaper his bathroom. Linda from Quincy Joe in Providence RI Joe from Hazelton, PA – Hazelton PA is NN Country! Jay in Arlington – sang on the Gleason Show! Jack from Springfield – with some information And Mike in Springfield Some other fun: Ed makes a reference to a since long closed store. Certificates have many uses...if you ever receive them. I contribute a little-known fact about Neil Diamond. Norm does impressions of Robert Goulet, Zero Mostel and Arthur Godfrey There’s mic trouble, audio trouble and operator error.

I’d like to thank you all for joining us here for Episode 100! It is a DBG from August 3rd, 1996, appropriately titled: Harte Murmurings. Why? Because Jack Harte stopped by the Norch Studios this week! That’s right, Jack and I talk about what he’s been up to the last 26 years since this game aired. Then we play along with the game. This tape was chosen at random and I’m pretty sure Norm paid us a visit. Jack and I looked at each other in wide-eyed amazement. So we can get to it, let me give you the players, birthdays and some highlights. Players: Jack Harte Betty from Sudbury Marge from Indiana Bruce in Attleboro And Hiram from Hudson Bdays: Tony Bennett Jay North Victoria Jackson Martin Sheen Richard Adler John Landis Martha Stewart And John Graham Plus a pleading Jack asks for a date in History: What year was Calvin Coolidge inaugurated after the death of Warren G. Harding? Other Highlights: Peeper Battery Replacement Instruction from Jack Authorities have contacted Norm and informed him Marge was responsible for a breakdown in essential services on her street. Norm recites the Jack Armstrong theme. Norm has taken a job as Jack’s spokesman. Clare de Lune on the harmonica is an emotional experience. Norm does many fine impressions. The Limit, The Strip and The Route all make an appearance. And to close Jack and I get philosophical, looking inward, zen-like regarding traffic and public transportation. Episode 100, Harte Murmurings, beats a path to your ears…now.

I’d like to thank you all for joining us here for Episode 100! It is a DBG from August 3rd, 1996, appropriately titled: Harte Murmurings. Why? Because Jack Harte stopped by the Norch Studios this week! That’s right, Jack and I talk about what he’s been up to the last 26 years since this game aired. Then we play along with the game. This tape was chosen at random and I’m pretty sure Norm paid us a visit. Jack and I looked at each other in wide-eyed amazement. So we can get to it, let me give you the players, birthdays and some highlights. Players: Jack Harte Betty from Sudbury Marge from Indiana Bruce in Attleboro And Hiram from Hudson Bdays: Tony Bennett Jay North Victoria Jackson Martin Sheen Richard Adler John Landis Martha Stewart And John Graham Plus a pleading Jack asks for a date in History: What year was Calvin Coolidge inaugurated after the death of Warren G. Harding? Other Highlights: Peeper Battery Replacement Instruction from Jack Authorities have contacted Norm and informed him Marge was responsible for a breakdown in essential services on her street. Norm recites the Jack Armstrong theme. Norm has taken a job as Jack’s spokesman. Clare de Lune on the harmonica is an emotional experience. Norm does many fine impressions. The Limit, The Strip and The Route all make an appearance. And to close Jack and I get philosophical, looking inward, zen-like regarding traffic and public transportation. Episode 100, Harte Murmurings, beats a path to your ears…now.

Tickets please, tickets. Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness is now boarding the way-back machine for a DBG from August 10th, 1991, the title of which is: “I Can’t Fight This Reeling.” Long before we had an official, real, honest to goodness opening song I played the Olympic Theme to kick off the proceedings. In addition, we had smartly uniformed WBZ pages that would march into the studio, white gloves and all, carrying sealed envelopes containing all the birthday details. As Norm stated, it truly was a feather in the cap of WBZ. The Players: Paul from Malden Wolfie Alice in Brockton Scott in Lynn I’m producing and playing on the phone from Master Control And a fully relaxed Jack Harte The Bdays with all the SFX: Jimmy Dean Rosanna Arquette Eddie Fisher Patti Austin Rhonda Flemming And Bobby Hatfield Other Stuff: Poor Jack has been ‘Zha-dool-u-rized.’ Norm realizes he forgot to stay home. Wolfie has doubled his thing. The original songs 73 & 77 trombones didn’t take. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of humor highs and lows. Tony and Jack dispel any rumors of cheating! At times Alice is calling from fah, fah away. I’m is forced to stay another hour. And Norm does the weather with some musical accompaniment that puts him in a romantic mood. Classic Commercials & Promos: Ask a Nurse with a semi-whispery announcer. Dr. Howard Smith with be talking stomach pain with his guest, Dr. Michael Wolf Bottom Hour News read by Norm which I include here! A Traffic check with Jack in his polyester uniform and shiny shoes. The Cape Cod Melody Tent. We hear about the instant gratification Patrick Palladino from Winchester MA gets from Triple Action Gold Bond Medicated Powder. Keep It In Your Sneaker – hot, sweaty, burning, sore and smelly…and that’s just the script writing. Norm relates his very own experience with KIIYS. The all-new Marshfield Fair – very excited announcers give you all the details. WBZ/N.E. Patriots Promo with Gil Santos. Barney and Carey Lumber Company in Quincy Gold Bond is back with another one of our favs, Joan Cantwell of Brockton MA And Keep It In Your Sneaker again! Must be for the other foot. There was also time to take some calls: Kathy who thought it was one of his better shows. She thinks he should let us keep punning until we exhaust all the options. I like Kathy. She is also awaiting a prize Norm promised. And Marilyn from Boston – formerly from Wellesley by way of the Cape and maybe Maine and good gawd it’s a nutty call. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share! Episode 99, “I Can’t Fight This Reeling” is cast to the airwaves in 3, 2 and 1. normnathanvos@gmail.com

We reach all the way back to August 1st, 1992 for this glistening jewel of a broadcast. I’ve titled it: Radiodorant Norm makes a triumphant return to the airwaves after a two-week absence while he convalesced from hernia surgery. It all begins with Bob McMahon from WBZ News and his intro to the Accuwx Forecast w/the lovely and exciting Roy Gallant. Then Norm introduces Jack Harte for Traffic sponsored by IHOP! That Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity Breakfast was a bargain! Next, our ears are caressed with the voice of Dr. Lonnie Carton, host of The Learning Center. Sally Six-Pack to Charlie Coke-head were in attendance. Now the big DBG Theme to launch the frivolity. Players: Helen from Boston Jimmy in Winthrop Ann from Everett Joe the Baker Karen Meslener I’m in Studio And Jack Harte. The comedy-soaked Birthdays are spread over FOUR days! Dom Deluise Geoffrey Holder Joe Elliot Norm left a bunch of bdays on the table for 8/1 and refused to divulge who they were! So, we move to 8/3: Martin Sheen And we may have to send search and rescue out to find Ann. Tony Bennett Now on to 8/5 for: Loni Anderson Annnnnnd 8/6 for: Robert Mitchum Other revelations! Norm is fired up for this one. Norm has been remiss in sending out prizes and his 2-week recovery has made it worse. Jimmy is still waiting for his Woodsman’s Weather Stick from 8-months ago. Turns out that was MY responsibility. The sales dept has started locking their drawers and placing notes not use their typewriters! Norm chortles along with Karen. The jokes are so bad Norm feels it may be worse than when he left. He just may have more surgery and take another 3-4 weeks off and hopes I have gotten all the crumby jokes out of my system. Jack Benny has returned in fine voice! Norm was practicing with the nurses at Salem Hospital. Another Birthday Game Scandal may very well erupt There’s only one book in the WBZ Library. Down in the dumps? Depressed? Call Karen. Oh la dee da oh wee ha ha Is Norm dreaming this and he’s still in Salem Hospital? On a separate note…Ann sounds like Ruth Clennott! Post Game: We discover Norm dislikes Mother’s and Father’s Day and Joe the Baker gives a pep talk about Chelsea. Episode 98, Radiodorant, rolls on to your ears….now. normnathanvos@gmail.com

All you guys in the Teen Canteen are simply the best! We have surpassed 10k views on YT before our 100th Episode! Thank you, thank you, thank you just so darn much. Our offering today takes place over two shows. One from July 23rd, 1995 and then July 27th, 1996. Titled: Butter Than Nothing. You will understand why, shortly. The first quarter has various talk with some choppy edits. We take calls from: Norma who has a funny epitaph and then a poem to her boyfriend. Judy in PA with some chat about restaurants. Norm wants to open ‘Picasso’s.’ And the hiring qualifications are very interesting. Our dear friend Joan in Tewksbury talking about stamps, the Talking Information Centers for the Blind and being buried in newspapers. We the move to July 27th, 1996 for the entire second part of the episode. Our guest was Norma Duffy Lyon – The Butter Lady. She sculptures in butter! Stuff like a full-size Clydesdale horse, a brahman bull, Garth Brooks and oh, so much more. She was currently ‘churning’ out American Gothic for the Iowa State Fair. This is one fascinating woman. Not only her talents but her family as well. Just a super interesting lady and a great interview by Norm. Before we end Norm teases an upcoming guest, Chuck Mitchell, owner of Dove Glove in VT. He rents doves out for all types of events. And Norm is blessed with my presence. Episode 97, Butter Than Nothing, melts into your ears…now.

The DBG: It’s a concept built from an idea! This concept is from July 23, 1993 and I have titled it: “A Clear Case of Pun Poisoning.” This one is unashamedly bad in the best of ways, though Norm clearly feels otherwise and believes he’ll likely be out of a job. Norm had to scrape the birthday offerings to put this one together. Weirdly, only three people were playing… Helen from Boston who sounded like Norma from Boston but really was Helen from Boston I’m producing and playing in studio And the Mr. Jack Harte in Traffic Bdays: Olivia de Havilland (de haven) – Norm had, at one time, a torrid affair with her. The question is posed if she played the character Violet Bick in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life?’ I’ll tell you now that the answer is no. Young Violet was played by Jeanine Ann Roose whilst Gloria Grahame played the twenty-something Violet. There are many digressions during this one: Sexy ladies from Swampscott. Frolicking in the sand on King’s Beach. The Westinghouse Hitmen. Norm’s brother in-law’s lack of creative humor. And “rating a ‘chippy.’” Sam Watters from Oklahoma City, not to be confused with the Sam Watters from Methuen whose birthday is a week from next Thursday. Sam was in a group called Color Me Badd and Norm gives us a rendition of their hit, “I Wanna Sex You Up” which is not to be missed. We are awash in puns during this. Spencer “Don’t Call me Mr.” Christian – A weatherman from GMA David Essex – born David Cook in England and born Sidney Lefkowich in Methuen – sang Rock On. Also starred in some odd ball movies. Actually, the most underrated trilogy of medical films in movie history: “Odd Balls of 1973.” “Hold On, Let Me Cough” (in some countries it was known as “Excuse me while I Cough”) “We Have an Ointment for That” Norm wishes he was back on WMEX doing “It’s Curtain Time w/John Kiley on the Organ and the vocal stylings of Theo Carrero.” It had a swelling organ. Wait a minute…is that another medical film? Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Don Drysdale – we believe he just died a couple of weeks ago. So, let’s guess how old he would have been today if… Pee Wee Reese – he was a ‘short’ short stop. We explore how his name also worked during other conversations. Woody Harrelson – I’m was not a fan back then, but I am now. Other Stuff: One of my deepest, darkest secrets is revealed. Norm sings and Helen wishes. We learn of a costly medical procedure that Helen could choose to undergo. “Schwoegler & Kent” – cigarette brand or clothing store? We get some words of wisdom: “If it’s unfair for all then that makes it fair.” Chicken brothel? Burlesque and Vaudeville make a comeback on this show. We get a couple of punchlines, “…but who’s smoking?” and "Excuse me lady but I think your sign fell down.” I coax Norm into telling us the set ups. Norm was worried he had an image to uphold. Needless to say, he didn’t have to worry. Helen thinks this show is getting worse. SO many puns that Norm questions all his life’s choices. Susquehanna Hats “…the Queen’s box.” I feel duped by my comrade. Norm had such high hopes when he was hosting su

We are cruising towards Ep 100 and it would be just so darn awesome to reach 10,000 views on YT by that time. We have close to 14.5k combined on others which means we are nearing 25k overall! Thank you to every single one of you who listens and spreads the word. Keep liking, subscribing and sharing. I will have some other news coming soon. Now speaking of YT… The Episode cover images that I’ve scoured the internet for and chosen for each and every episode finally started appearing on YT about 3 months ago. Now, for the last 3 weeks, it returned to what is my standard YT image backdrop. Well, that should be corrected once again this week, but I won’t know until it uploads. The VoS has offered up a DBG from July 16th, 1994 aptly titled: “My Desperate Plea for Love.” Darrell Gould joins Norm and I with some pre-game chatter. A stealthy Norm begins the conversation…He asks me a question about my weekend away at Hampton Beach, NH where, at a club called The Electric Wave, I saw a beautiful young lass whom I was smitten with. It’s quite the pathetic tale of squandered chances and lost love. Amy was the name of the girl I was taken with. I was weak in the knees and couldn’t get up the nerve to talk to her. I did however get some details from her friend Laurie. Finally, at the end of the night, I said to her that I thought she was incredibly beautiful. I won’t give you any further details but just say that the slobbering, plaintive, tear-soaked plea continues until it sickens us all. Thankfully, Norm goes to a commercial where we only get to briefly hear John Wall from Wall’s Lincoln Mercury before it fades out. Ok, it’s game time! Our Players: The breathy Arlene from Philadelphia Rick in State College PA Betty from S Portland ME The stuffy but still adorable Kristen from Dorchester I’m on the phone Emilio Marotta producing and playing in studio and spending his penultimate night with us as he is heading off to San Diego CA. He describes a temporary job he’s lined up in Tijuana where he predicts his Lawrence Welk medley will be a big hit. Jack Harte in traffic who’s insincere greeting prompts Norm to do an impression of his uncle. Wet, stubby cigar hanging from his lips… The Birthdays: Bess Meyerson NEXT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE LONGEST TIME SPENT ON A SINGLE BIRTHDAY: Orville Redenbacher. The impressions, the jokes, the puns, the losing of one’s mind and the moaning and groaning throughout is FUNtastic. Ginger Rogers who won an Oscar for ‘Kitty Foyle.’ Oh yes, the foolishness carries on with this one. The very sharp, Reuben Blades Before we skip to Monday the 18th here’s the list of leftovers that remained on the birthday cake plate: Desmond Decker Raine Pryor Barnard Hughes Jim Rathman Barry Sanders Dick Thornberg Margaret Court Stewart Copeland And Pincus Zuckerman Barbara Stanwyck, Mary Baker Eddy and Theodore Vail were also born on the 17th but were dead. Monday, 7/18 Red Skelton Harriet Nelson We end quickly as news is fast approaching! So many other highlights: Norm declares may resign from shtick. Egotistical hosts who are afraid to say there are open lines but not Norm. He has no qualms about begging. Norm’s Bob Raleigh impression, “Nothing wrong with that.” Kristen’s chafed and sore stuffy nose that was an adorable shade of red that matched nicely with her teary, swollen eyes.

We are back for another edition of NNVoS. Today we feature a DBG from July 7th, 1996…The title of which will be “The Raccoon Report” (because it just may be the most exciting thing you’ll hear during this game). The show begins with some talk about Dragnet. Norm gives some details and mentions a funny tidbit about one of the show’s characters and then it’s on to the game. The Players: Kathleen in Milton Cheryl from Weymouth Jeanie in Hyde Park Sid Whittaker in Traffic with a raccoon in the road down in Norwell. And Tom Howie producing and playing in studio It appears to have been an odd night on the phones so far and even though Norm spends hours of prep getting ready, he has lost interest in the game before it has even begun. The Bdays: Ringo Starr Shelley Duvall Vince Edwards Doc Severinsen Gian Carlo Menotti Jessica Hahn Pierre Cardin Joe Spano And Charlie Louvin Other heart-pounding moments during the episode… Norm went with a girl named Kathleen. She was a twin. He spent time snuggled up in a rumble seat with her during a raging snowstorm. Any day that your alive is a great day. Norm pleads with the callers to win so he can get the junk out of his house to give as prizes. The game has a pre-Olympic intensity because it's a try-out for the DBG Olympic Team heading to Atlanta. You can feel the sparkles! A Best of the DBG Album is “in the works.” Jeanie the Purring Stripper? Give a bored and lonely Sid a call at *1030 for the BZ CellOne Phone Force There's a promo for ‘Looking at the Law with Neil Chayet.’ And we close with an exciting Accuwx forecast and some lottery numbers. I can barely contain myself! Episode 94, “The Raccoon Report” crosses the road to your ears, now.

The summertime is heating up with Episode 93 of Norm Nathan’s VoS. The number may just match today’s temp here in some parts of MA. It’s a scorchah! We have a DBG from July 2nd, 1995 which is titled: ‘Raiders of the Lost Birthday Book’ because we begin with Norm not being able to find said book and a quest may be needed! Was it just misplaced by Norm? Was it stolen by Sid Whittaker and WCCM? (a reference to some scandal back in Ep 91) Will Netflix buy the rights to this astonishing whodunnit? Stay tuned! Onward to the game: Our 1st player is Stan Roberts, calling in from Buffalo. He worked with Norm back on WHDH from 1970-72. They chat quite a bit before the game begins. Some WHDH history, station breaks, technology of the time, and how Norm got his overnight gig. Stan notes that “In an age when machinery is replacing man, you replaced a machine.” Wait until you hear Stan recall the great ad campaign for his show that was on a billboard along the SE Expressway. And there’s talk of Stan’s career when he returned to Buffalo. And now the other players: Michael from PA Tom in Cleveland Robert in Framingham Hope Schauer producing and playing in studio And the wild, different and crazy Ken Newman in traffic. Bdays: Polly Holiday John Sununu Lucy Baines Johnson Turpin Cheryl Ladd Jimmy McNichol And then it’s event time. And we get three! What year did Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappear over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to make the first round the world flight at the equator? What year did the Lawrence Welk Show premiere on ABC television? And in what year was The U.S. Army Air Corp created? The game is so exciting that it reminds Norm that just when he feels that he’s been in radio longer than he should be, nope. Not yet. This prompts a possible lead in the DBG Book theft! We get the details on an old survey that Lawrence welk had taken where one of the questions was, “Larry, what do you think of violence? It is revealed that Norm hosted a polka program which featured the one and only, Johnny Wilfahrt. And post-game we get a few more minutes of conversation with Norm and Stan which takes us through to the end. Ep 93, ‘Raiders of the Lost Birthday Book’ is comin’ atcha in 3, 2 and 1.

So happy to have you back for another episode of NNVoS. Episode 92 for those of you keeping track at home. As promised, we will feature a SMQ from June 29th, 1995. Let’s call this one: AM Gold The usual suspects of yours truly, Ed Mullen, Jack Harte, and Norm comprise the panel. Mike Epstein was producing. The pregame ritual of explaining the rules is here in all its glory and is revisited later for even greater clarification. The Categories: Rock n’ Roll Musical Comedy Jazz/Big Band And the all-new: Bible Songs and Yiddish Freylekhs The prize package ante has been upped. Not only will you receive a Certificate of Award but a much-coveted Peepers Keyring! Later the question arises regarding the keyring supply and what if we run out? Fear not as I put forth the best solution. Another non-musical question is posed: What happens if the Tobin Bridge toll takers run out of change? This discussion was prompted by Norm giving an on-air “hello” to one of them. The game begins a little differently as Ed and Norm give some starting questions before we take calls. AND for RnR it will be multiple choice 70’s theme question night – get 2 out of three and move to the next round! If my count is correct, we took 38 calls. And here now, for your dining and dancing pleasure, are the names: Frank in Leicester Ann in Marlborough Jim from NH Ken in his car Lance from Dorchester Chris from Peabody Linda in Quincy Deedee in W. VA Helene in Belmont Eddie from Attleboro Tom in Fitchburg Brian in Walpole Ruth from Portland ME David in Brookline Mike in PA John from Cleveland Dennis in Beverly Joe from Cambridge Matt in his car Matt from Boston Ladies and gents…Side B Buddy in Belmont Terry from Weymouth Kevin in Lynn Beth in MI Frank in Dorchester Mary from Worcester Doug in Medford Carl Bob in Medford Todd from Walpole John in Arlington Dieter from Maryland John in his car Gloria in Malden Christian from Charlestown Warren in Medford Kevin from Foxborough And Bill in Nashua NH If the Swellness of the quiz wasn’t enough here’s some other highlights: We break for a news update on the The Unabomber...that’s NOT included here! The RnR HoF will be open Labor Day weekend – our caller from Cleveland was not a fan of the building. We get the briefest snippet of a Jordan’s Furniture commercial and then we hear the end of Norm reading all about PowerVites and PowerMate. It’s another classic with Norm advising, “Call the number and ask them what it was I said.” And in a funny turn of events, one of our callers asks Norm about the number! There’s a lovely resort town in the Appalachian Mountains where they take great care of you with clean sheets and feeding you five times a day. A request for Linda Chase to do a SMQ theme. Norm gives us his impression of “the guy with the muscles in his throat” - Vaughn Monroe. Did you know that 4 Certificates of Award is equal to a PhD? And Norm reads a Vermont Teddy Bear commercial that was done with full accompaniment by ‘The Bunch of Hairy Guys.’ Episode 92, AM Gold – a SMQ from June 29th, 1995 is in the cassette deck. Pressing play in 3, 2 and 1. normnathanvos@gmail.com

Welcome to Episode 91 – A Cavalcade of Clips & Work Crews. It is a collection of Norm’s show hours from June 16th and June 25th, 1995. Hope Schauer, Mike Epstein and someone named Ed St. Clair, not to be confused with Eddie LeClair, producing. A lot of the calls heard here are in-progress, a bit choppy, cut short, and unnamed but, as always, just so darn entertaining. It all begins with Louie talking about how radio was changing. We hear from Chauncey and eating rubber chicken in Canada? A caller who entertains with his wife at the Boathouse in Hyannis, the Brandy Barrel in Lynn, and Natalie’s in Danvers. Quick hit from a guest on at 4am from across the pond who ewrote a book on Lorenz Hart. There's some random musical interlude. Then we move to a broadcast from WCCM in Lawrence MA with former WBZ producer Sid Whittaker doing the news! The host was Bruce Arnold and what I believe to be his producer, Eric. There’s some behind the scenes talk about a ‘Countdown to Weather.’ Then a scandal erupted to my ears! They play something called The Birthday Game?! Eric, Sid and a caller take guesses on a couple of celebrity birthdays to be entered to win a gift certificate to The Pasta Shack - We shall return this this later. Next up is Paul Drake doing traffic for Boston’s Business Station, WBNW. That guy sounds familiar. Then some traffic with ‘Paul’ Jack Harte for WBZ We get lots of Norm Show opens throughout this episode. Norm teases an upcoming guest, Phil Kaufman. Some More Jack Harte traffic. Let’s now jump to Norm and Jack talking. I had clipped out an article on The Zipper Lane and the wacky machine that moves the little barriers on the SE Expressway. Norm was fascinated by the whole thing. They have cameras monitoring all of it and this leads to a discussion on all sorts of cable channels dedicated to all sorts of camera feeds. Norm has a particularly good idea that you’ll have to wait to hear. There’s even a mention of the long-lost Store 24. They may have something here since Norm would have never believed there would be a channel totally dedicated to weather (TWC) yet here we are! Norm tells us of another upcoming guest Tom Hamil, editor of Collecting Toys Magazine. Another Jack Traffic report. Let’s take some more calls: Jim from the Burlington, Vermont area Next caller is a musician and soloist. Plays a variety of string instruments. Does comedy and offbeat stuff. Plays a regular gig in Boston on a night when Norm’s not on. He won’t recognize Norm by sight, so he’ll have to do his best work all the time just in case he shows up. During this we hear some wisdom from Norm’s grandfather. Jack Harte in traffic again! A caller complimenting Norm. One from whereabouts unknown, talking about shooting pigeons in the park from 6pm to dusk. We take a moment to understand how to use clothes on the clothesline to find the wind direction? Thankfully this was very ‘brief.’ Next caller, Chris, talking about old time radios, the Antique Radio Association and the N.E. Antique Radio Club, Hosts a program called ‘Let’s Talk Showbiz’ on WOMR down on the Cape in Provincetown. There’s VERY Quick call from Foster Brooks? Next up is Frank, continues the old radio talk tubes and testers Then our old friend Glenn from Brighton is on the line. His friend Eleanor in Quincy is afraid of balconies. Glenn has a foolproof solution you’ll want to hear and maybe even try. There’s some discussion of The Shadow, Kato (Not to be confused with Kato Kalin) and Margo Lane. Hillary from Bu

This episode took a while to produce as I had to stop a few times due to uncontrollable laughter. Now I may be building this up but if you don’t at least laugh out loud and maybe even hit pause to collect yourself then I don’t even know you! Gracing the airwaves today is a NNS from June 10th, 1995. It is a mash-up of 2 hours and I’ve titled it: The Games People Play Hope Schauer is producing. We begin with some mystery applause for someone named ‘Jim.’ Norm reads the Accuweather forecast…or does he? We are then joined by a the very serious Bert Cohen – a veritable master of all thing’s marbles. They talk about an upcoming Marble Tournament being held on the Boston Common at the Frog Pond. This leads into Norm and I and callers talking all about children’s games, being creative, the old days and not so old days, rhymes, jokes and antioxidants. Callers: Pete from Methuen Paul in Winthrop Ed from Boston Jen in Salem Jeremy from Framingham or NC? Elaine from Chelsea on a payphone including the clicking and operator warning as her time expires! And a side-splitting call from Kay in Lunenburg who informs us on the history of Ring Around the Rosie. Other highlights include: Commercials from Dave Maynard for Caitlin Travel, Jack Harte tells us about Kwai Garlic and an unforgettable, partial, live read from Norm for PowerVites. That sponsor got so much more than the sixty seconds they paid for. We learn of the great 12th century Maestro Myron Boskowitz and his pharmaceutical background. I pry into Norm’s life and ask a very personal question. We are stopped in our tracks not once, but twice with thought provoking, life changing quotes from Norm’s Hungarian Gypsy Princess Grandmother (HGPG). There’s talk about some talentless bum who gets a lot of publicity. Phone prompt Hell And bile duct blockage. Ep 90, The Games People Play, jumps into your ears in 3, 2 and 1. normnathanvos@gmail.com

May I have your attention… Please stand by for some pre-show announcements. Congratulations are in store to my cousin Taylor, her husband Dan and their daughter Arla, as they added to the family and welcomed their second child, a boy, Riley James, on June 1st. Today, June 3rd , is my first born’s 19th bday – Happy Birthday, Chanson. Also, tomorrow, June 4th, is my cousin Tim’s Happy double-nickel Birthday and lastly, Sunday, June 5th would have been David Brudnoy’s 82nd birthday. Love to you all. And now back to our regularly scheduled program… Before the we start the DBG we have Norm in the middle of a story about the time he was able to suit up in a Red Sox uniform and hit a “hot sizzler halfway back to the pitcher’s mound.” The game here is from June 4th, 1994, of which I’ve titled: What did Emilio say? And what a cast of characters we have lined up to play: Chris parked in his driveway, double parked and then parked at Gold’s Gym in East Boston The adorable Kristin in Dorchester Kathy from Tewksbury with the world’s worst phone connection? – She used to work with Norm doing trivia with Marty Minasian and Bernie Corbin from 12a – 5a back in 1980 on WHDH Radio. Steve in Allston - first time caller/player and at 25 years old and a new dad! 5-week-old baby, Hailey. I’m on the phone Jack Harte – making the streets safe for humanity and raucous punchlines Emilio Marotta producing, playing and causing trouble The Bdays: Dennis Weaver Gene Barry The Big One, Parker Stevenson Freddy Fender aka Baldemar Huerta – American success story. Robert Merrill and Norm blows the roof of the dump with his rendition of “The Bluebird of Happiness” Michelle Phillips And Bruce Dern We close with an Historical Event: The White House was completed on this date in what year? Other stuff, and not surprisingly it all involves Emilio: Emilio brings up Bob Barker, a lawsuit and how does Norm feel about this old guy having relations with this beautiful, young woman? Norm’s integrity is on display here. Hey! Put that thing away! No one wants to see that! Norm flexes his muscles with Emilio! We hear a Lovell Dyett word There are well deserved, hurt feelings Norm shuts off Emilio’s mic and then releases him from that bondage Emilio states he is here to provide entertainment. Jack asks the question that’s been on all of our minds. Listen closely as it goes by quick but it’s darn funny. Lastly, there’s a quick flip to Side B to finish the game Episode 89, “What Did Emilio Say?” begins now. normnathanvos@gmail.com

Crazy 8’s is what we have here as we bring you Ep 88 of Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness. We love it when you like, subscribe and share our moments of madness. Don’t be afraid to do that on whichever service you use to allow us to tickle your ears with fun. A DBG from May 25th, 1996 closes out this month and leads us into the long Memorial Day weekend. Because the Game features many birthdays from the fairer sex, this one is titled: Ladies Night. We begin with an appreciation for Jack’s traffic advice as well as his summer fashion awareness and then it’s on to the game. The Players: Jack Harte I’m on the phone and looking not to make people laugh (which is very presumptuous of me) but for people to make me laugh. Call me crazy…and Norm doesn’t hesitate to call me something else! Mr. Direct, Tom Howie producing and playing in studio The slow talking, possibly inebriated, Kevin in Jamaica Plain Kathy in Altoona, PA – a virgin player but requests “no sacrifices.” And Scott in Wayland The Bdays: Karen Valentine – we have a ‘hearty’ time with her. The Lone Ranger and Tonto stop by. Also, Norm recites a ‘poem.’ Leslie Uggams Dixie Carter Beverly Sills – and an operatic debate ensues Connie Sellecca – and I injure myself with whilst reaching for a pun K.C. Jones Kitty Kallen And Hal David Other highlights include: Norm sharing observations because he’s a ‘relations expert.’ And the relations discussed should really be re-examined by a trained professional. I had seen Spy Hard with Leslie Nielsen and give an in-depth review. We learn that Norm’s mother in-law had no sense of humor. Nor did Shirley, his date to the prom. Norm still cleaning out his house to put together prize packages. Maybe a bag of ashes is suggested. Why? Norm had a small fire at his house, “Just in the house, in the walls and things, didn’t amount to anything, the usual type of wall fire.” I also had recently watched, “The Benny Goodman Story” with Steve Allen on AMC and give another in-depth review that’s not to be missed. A scoring update could be the beginning of a dirty joke. We get a nice Sherm Feller history lesson from Uncle Norm. And there may be some angry letters to the rules committee. Episode 88, Ladies Night, begins…now. Email the show: normnathanvos@gmail.com

The Dumb Birthday Game-a-palooza continues this week with a recording from May 22nd, 1993. I have titled this one: “Two’s Company but Eight’s a Crowd” because we have amassed a panel of EIGHT Players: How many bdays will we be able to get to with that many people? Just you want and see. We have Roy, who’s working construction in Bedford but is from Lawrence and taking an unauthorized break to play the game. Andy from Topsfield ‘Calendar’ Bill in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Evelyn in London, Ont Hazel from Hamilton, Ont I’m producing and playing in-studio and had been recently vetted by Ch. 4’s investigative Eye Team Jack Harte the WBZ Traffic Person And Keith Shields, (no relation to Brooke) whom I’m training, playing in-studio and is revealed to be a management spy. We all have a good laugh about the windfall we receive every week in our paychecks from Westinghouse. Norm possibly can’t afford the job because it costs him too much! But the lure or reaching 38 states and parts of Canada with the 50,000w clear channel signal of the nation’s first commercial radio station…well, that should be payment enough. Bdays: Charles Aznavour Peter Nero Richard Benjamin Paul Winfield Judith Crist We have time for some dates in history as well: Mr. Rogers Neighborhood premiered on PBS in what year? And in what year was the first life insurance policy issued in the U.S.? We are informed that Norm’s 26 year-old horse, Sunflower, was entered into a horse show that weekend. A caller seems very interested in her so Norm tries to do some matchmaking. We learn that there were some mystery players participating in the game from a remote location: Saul, Brett, Bartholomew, Sidney, Gladys, and Shirley. I open up and you get a glimpse in to my tv-less world. We get a brand-new phrase to embroider on our doilies A learned quote from Norm’s HGPG and a pun from Norm that, while putting this show together, had me laughing hard here at the Norch Studio and FuzzyWuzzyProductions. And we close with a commercial for Marezine. Episode 87, “Two’s Company but Eight’s a Crowd,” begins in 3, 2 annnnnnd 1. normnathanvos@gmail.com

I would like to welcome my local cable channel, WMCT-TV in Marlborough, MA as an affiliate of Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness! Now I don’t know about you, but I get quite a few local channels from the surrounding communities so even if you’re not in Marlborough you just may be able to find it on your cable carrier. It will air later in the evening while the message boards fill your screen with that all-important community info. They will begin with Episode 1 and roll on from there. When the time comes to incorporate a video aspect we just may move to ‘prime-time’ (wink-wink). Granted, by the time THIS episode airs everything I just said will be old news to the viewers. We are just so darn thankful to WMCT for expanding the reach of our silliness. I have titled this DBG from May 13th, 1996: Truth, Lies and Analog Tape. From the moment we press play the game is on! But the first bday guessed is absent. Side note: We are joined in the Teen Canteen by reporters from some local papers that are covering this highly contested competition: The Brockton Enterprise, The Middleboro Gazette, The Chelsea Record, The Salem Evening News and the The Lynnfield/Saugus Hadassah Newsletter. Players: Lisa Susan Tess in studio Karen Regal in traffic Michael in Arlington Mike Epstein producing and playing Bdays: ? Harvey Keitel Peter Gabriel Dennis Rodman Bdays from 5/15: Lainie Kazan…nope Trini Lopez…pass Anna Maria Alberghetti gets the nod! The game is held over until after the news because of commercial content! But Karen from traffic has vanished. We continue with: Eddie Arnold AND Lainie Kazan and Trini Lopez make a triumphant return to the list! Ever wonder what happens to the DBG Scoresheets? They are all entered in to the WBZ H.o.F. where Broadcasting is our middle name. Classic Commercials Content: BJ’s Cellular Centers and CELLULAR ONE Living Trust Seminars with Attorney’s Guliomo and Cody of Braintree And a Jack Benny impression begins a commercial, but it gets cut off. A post-game caller talking jazz closes out this episode. Ep 86, Truth, Lies and Analog Tape is all hooked up and ready to analyze.

Hola to Spain, yassou to Greece and tanks for hoppin’ on the jitney to the Bahamas! Those are the three new countries that have joined us in our quest to leave this world a little sillier than we’ve found it. The Medley of Blame, Hate & Technical Difficulties is the title of this show as we withdraw from the Vault a DBG from May 4th, 1996. We begin with the technical difficulties or is it ‘operator error?’ Before the game begins Norm does an entertaining tap dance to fill the time while the issue is being worked on. However, due to the previous editing of the tape, it is not included here. But one can imagine… Jack Harte gets on his soapbox to praise radio and in the end…all the problems are blamed on one of the players; Shirley. Speaking of players…it’s a short list: Shirley from Michigan Margaret from Falling Waters, W. VA Jack Harte And Tom Howie producing and playing They digress again before playing the game with Norm railing on about blame and hate and society crumbling. That troublemaker, Shirley, is asked for her opinion and doesn’t hold back! The dregs of daytime TV talk at the time are mentioned as well. Birthdays: Pia Zadora and Norm sings a medley of her hits Randy Travis aka Randy Bruce Traywick, aka Randy Ray – Norm gushes on about his love of Randy from his days as a dishwasher to country music stardom. Though there are some seedy details revealed so stay tuned! Opera singer Roberta Peters Jackie Jackson Honsi Mubarak Maynard Ferguson – and we just may get another medley from Norm. Norm was going to be taking that Saturday night off (the lovely and talented Paul Sullivan was filling in), so he includes May 5th birthdays too: Annette Benning Alice Faye And Tammy Wynette Other highlights include: A moment of sensual delight, perspiration, a Lionel Barrymore cameo, and Norm telling us how he reflects on the show when he gets home. We close with an abbreviated caller talking about Big Bands, band leaders and black musicians. Episode 85, The Medley of Blame, Hate & Technical Difficulties, begins now.

Before we get started on today’s featured presentation… Risking life and limb to bring this to you…as promised…making their annual appearance…please welcome to the show…Peepers 2022! Now back to our regularly scheduled program already in progress. Thank you just so darn much for tuning in again to Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness. Today we have a DBG from April 30th, 1994 aptly titled “The Hello Bluebird ‘Shmateh-time’ Mixtape” as Norm sings many iterations of the song throughout the game. The shmateh reference? Well, just you wait. The Players: Libby in VA Carol from Lynn who’s all dressed up and rarin’ to go Henry-Harry-Harry-Henry from Attleboro Ron in Chelmsford – 1st timer I’m on the phone and Norm and I discuss some upcoming guests and their square-dancing llamas. Emilio Marotta – producing and playing in studio And Jack Harte in Traffic Before the birthdays we will get a world-class llama impression from Norm and some not so world-class jokes from me and Jack. Bdays: Cloris Leachman Willie Nelson and his flammable shmateh Jill Clayburgh Bobby Vee Gary Collins The very controversial Al Lewis And Al Toon Norm sweet-talks Carol and Arthur Godfrey is back, better than ever, singing “On the Road Again.” The madness of Episode 84, The Hello Bluebird ‘Shmateh-time’ Mixtape, hits the road to your ears in 3, 2 and 1. Email the show: normnathanvos@gmail.com

First, thank you all in the Teen Canteen, we did it. Over 100 subscribers on YT. And well before the 100th episode! You guys are the best! Let’s keep it up and spread that love over all the platforms where Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness appears. April 22nd and 23rd 1994 are the days that re-grace the airwaves for Episode 83. This one is titled: The Business of the Radio Business. We begin with something a little different. David Brudnoy speaking with Anthony Silva, who was reporting from Vietnam at the VietnAmerica Expo. There are two reports with David and in between those is a daily check-in Anthony did with Jay McQuaide. These are excellent and informative reports with outstanding phone quality. The culinary delights he talks about with David are a highlight. The second interview closes with David saying we will be breaking for an ABC Special Report. It was on the death of former President Richard Nixon. I have included it here as it is also referred to, briefly, during Norm’s Show. We take a break with a Jack Harte Traffic Report sponsored by Riopan and to the show open and a dire warning from Norm. Our guest was Zane Parsons from the Museum of Radio & Technology in Huntington, W.VA. Norm and Zane have a great conversation about radios and radio’s influence on products. Details about the museum and take a call from Charles who’s a member of the New England Antique Radio Club. Jack is back with a quick commercial read for Dunkin Donuts…listen to the bargain price for your coffee and donut fix. Other callers: One talking about WBZA in Springfield and crystal radios. Michael on a car phone about Nixon Then we hear from the one and only Golda! She and Norm have a fun conversation filled with memories and ends with plans to go together to Rio de Janeiro for Madi Gras. Brief calls from the not so shy Josephine and then Dorothy. Our next caller discusses wrestling bouts on the radio, fish prices and the daily catch. And we close with Norm and an anonymous lady dancing to some piano. Ep 83, The Business of the Radio Business, begins broadcasting….now.

Greeting and salutations. I see you’ve returned for another episode of Norm Nathan’s Vault of Silliness. You have excellent taste. Before we start, I want to mention that Peepers 2022 will be hopping onto the digital streaming platforms soon! I’ve heard a few here and there but my favorite spot has been quiet. When the peeper speed dating begins, I’ll bring back those mingling sounds and share them with you. Ok…Today we have a DBG from April 17th, 1993, which I’ve titled “Gabby Birthday!” You will understand why in a few minutes. A Norm chuckle kicks this one off. Norm and Westinghouse agree that he’s money well spent. Do you want to hear a Yiddish colloquialism? The Clientele (players) for the game is/are a panel of virgins: Mike from Wakefield Kay in Easton Dave in Bellingham Gabby from Brookline I’m in studio and Jack Harte’s in Traffic BDAYS: No one from April 17th will be included and Norm gives us the examples to prove his point: Genevieve from the Jack Paar Show Chris Barber Ann Shirley Olivia Hussey Jan Hammer Lon McAllister Don Kirshner Lindsey Anderson Elizabeth Lindsey Dead Bdays for the 17th: Harry Reasoner William Holden Thronton Wilder JP Morgan Nikita Khrushchev Instead, Norm has made an executive decision to start with Wednesday, 4/21 of the coming week. Tony Danza – and wait until you hear Kay’s impression of one of our beloved, regular players. Charles Grodin Anthony Quinn Let’s stroll on over to Thursday, 4/22 for: The waxed-cheeked Glen Campbell Jack Nicholson Eddie Albert We merrily skip to Friday, 4/23 for: Valerie Bertinelli Shirley Temple Black And Hervé Villechaize There’s lots of love from the player’s post-game. Norm, Jack and I chuckle for world brotherhood! And Norm again wonders what kind of a station WBZ is to allow this foolishness on the air. Commercials: Gold Bond with Todd Adams from Haverhill, MA and his itchy, burning left foot. A VERY enthusiastic Gil Santos tells us that WBZ and the Lottery want to send you to Greece! And Norm’s preferred medication to help him get through the show – Marezine. We close with Norm, Gabby Hayes and Arthur Godfrey performing one of the first rap songs. They are joined by a guest whistler and a world-renown trombone player! Oh the laughs we have on this one! Let’s start the party. Episode 82, Gabby Birthday! Begins now.