August 22, 2003
Gerald Bostock: Inventor of "Concept Rock"
As the voice behind legendary rock band Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson has released over 30 albums (selling over 60 million copies), performed in 40 countries in over 2000 concerts, and has been doing all this for over 40 years. Though he is widely known for being the guy who introduced many rock fans to the flute, he also plays acoustic guitars and a variety of instruments from the mandolin family… all of which lend to Jethro Tull's unique sound. Along with his work with Tull, Anderson has released a number of solo projects including his Living With The Past CD & DVD, which were released in 2002. Living in England where he owns a recording studio, Anderson keeps busy with his hobbies that are almost as interesting as his choice in instruments. Not only does he dedicate much of his time to the conservation of small wildcats around the world, he's also a connoisseur of hot chili peppers.

FACTOID - Ian introduced millions of rockers (including your friendly B&T webmaster) to jazz by including jazz innovator Rashaan Roland Kirk's "Serenade to a Cuckoo" on Jethro Tull's first album, entitled This Was, released in 1968. It only reached #61 on the American charts.

FACTOID - Ian Anderson says he's still too young to think about retiring from his rock life. However, he has given up the old costume codpieces, and vows to never play his saxophone again.

August 22, 2003
The Usual Suspect
Though most people may be familiar with Kevin Pollack's Hollywood work in such hit films as The Usual Suspects, Grumpy Old Men, A Few Good men and Casino, many might not realize that he began his career as a standup comedian. Pollack has been performing professional standup comedy since the age of 20, and made a name for himself with his wonderful impressions, most notably his dead-on William Shatner and Peter Faulk. Comedy was his life until he scored a role in George Lucas's film Willow in 1988, and began receiving praise from critics as an outstanding character film actor. He continued to work in movies until 2001, when Kevin decided to return to the stage for a 20-city standup comedy tour. This tour became so popular that Pollack increased the number of stops, and is now playing clubs all over the country.

August 21, 2003
Our Favorite Psychic
Marilene Isaacs is a nationally known Intuitive Counselor (something like a psychic) and Spiritual Teacher with over 30 years of experience. She has dedicated her life to the actualization of unconditional love and truth, but today she's taking a break from all that serious stuff to talk to the cast about feng shui, buying houses, graveyards, and the futures of Chick, Kristi, and the rest of the show.

August 21, 2003
Is that Eddy Strange?
Comedian Eddy Strange used to be comedian Ross Bennett, until he switched back to his birth name… and then changed back to Strange, and then back again to Bennett. Got all that? Once he finally decided on a moniker for himself, Bennett has become the "best kept secret in show business." He began his career after dropping out of West Point during his sophomore year to take up a life of comedy and theater. Though his father didn't find this to be the best move he could have made, Bennett has been able to make a name (or two) for himself in a business that he loves.

August 21, 2003
It's In the Bagg
As a young boy, Ian Bagg found he had the tools to be successful in life. But instead of using those tools, he went in to standup comedy. Bagg may have chosen a life of late nights and smoky clubs, but he's done very well for himself. He's a Tonight Show and Late Late Show veteran, and has starred in three feature length movies. Bagg is a popular regular in comedy clubs all over LA, and has been asked to perform for the NHL's Kings on a number of occasions. He's currently touring clubs across the country, and will be making his first appearance on the BOB&TOM Show.

August 20, 2003
What's the Number for 911?
Actor Carlos Alazraqui costars in the new Comedy Central series RENO 911 where he plays Deputy James Garcia. Don't let the badge fool you! RENO 911! is a half-hour unscripted comedy about inept cops patrolling Reno, Nevada. This show is a hilarious spoof of traditional cop dramas mixed with enough soap opera-like twists and turns to keep you laughing the entire time. RENO 911! gives viewers the chance to witness the men and women of the Washoe County Sheriff's department at work and at play... which often times seems to be one in the same.

FACTOID - Carlos is also the voice of the Taco Bell Chihuahua!

August 20, 2003
Tom Green
Goes Late Night
The outrageous and unpredictable goofball Tom Green is returning to MTV to host a brand new show, The New Tom Green Show. He's giving up his wacky on the street antics and bringing all the tomfoolery in the studio and behind a desk as he stars in a more conventional type of talk show. Okay, nothing is ever conventional about Tom Green, or any show he stars in, but this program will feature a bit more structure with interview type segments with celebrities and musicians. The New Tom Green Show airs weeknights at Midnight on MTV.

August 19, 2003
Vacation's Over
The legendary Bob Zany is set to deliver his eagerly anticipated Zany Report once again and we can barely contain our excitement. After what seems like an eternity off, Bob will once again present what he thinks is A-material in hopes of creating the biggest, funniest, most spectacular Zany Report of all time. However, if for some reason you aren’t exhausted from laughing when it’s all said and done, there's always BobZany.com where you can test your hand at punch line writing by playing Fix The Joke Baby. Pick up one of those "Papa Eat Now" T-shirts while you're at it.

August 18, 2003
Surprise... It's Bill Scheft
If we had to choose our favorite guest that worked for both The Late Show with David Letterman and had a weekly column in Sports Illustrated, it would have to be Bill Scheft. We enjoy his company so much that he was our guest host when Bob was on his infamous "Nudie Vacation." Scheft was a last minute addition to today's guest list, but when we heard he wanted to call in, the phone lines were cleared and we've been waiting in a feverish anticipation ever since. Like comedy writing, sports are one of Scheft's favorite conversation topics. So we're sure with football season nearing its kick off, The Ringer, will have plenty to talk about.

August 18, 2003
Turning the Table on Telemarketers
Tom Mabe has had a major beef with the telemarketing industry ever since he was a struggling jingle writer working from home. Every time the phone would ring, he'd be filled with excitement, thinking it was a new paying client, only to be disappointed when the voice on the other end began trying to sell him something he didn't need. Instead of letting this hatred fester inside, Tom turned this aggression into a profession. Now Mabe makes a living by turning the tables on these intrusive phone solicitors by creating oddball characters and outlandish situations all in the hopes of making their lives a living hell. Mabe has collected enough of these reverse prank phone calls to release three full CD's, Revenge of the Telemarketers Rounds 1 & 2 and the brand new A Wake Up Call For Telemarketers.

FACTOID - Last year, Tom Mabe crashed an American Teleservices Association Conference in Washington DC, by using a fake name and credentials. He then went one step farther and placed prank phone calls to the telemarketing agency executives in the middle of the night.