Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Stats Page

Show Details: 2017

2017-01-07

Best Of NPR DB ID: 989
Scorekeeper
Forget the yoga, try some Bill-lates
Description
Best of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! taking a look back at some favorite moments from 2016

2017-01-14

NPR DB ID: 990
Host
Guest: Tom Hanks
Scorekeeper
I can tell your future, I'm your Crystal Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Luke Burbank
Correct: Luke Burbank
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about improving workspace morale, Not My Job about the history of the iPhone, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be President Obama's next job?
Notes

Tom Hanks used the phrase similar to "hands on buzzer" a couple of times. Tom Hanks also called Bill Kurtis "Bill Kurtis with a K" a couple of times as well.

Paula Poundstone used the last name "Swamu" again in her Bluff the Listener story.

2017-01-21

NPR DB ID: 991
Scorekeeper
Hey Donald Trump, put your hand on me. I'm your holy Bi-Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Amy Dickinson
Correct: Amy Dickinson
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about someone going to extreme lengths to get free parking, Not My Job about baggage handlers, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the biggest surprise out of President Trump's first week in office?
Notes

Daniel Handler chose the answer "C" for all three of his Not My Job questions

2017-01-28

NPR DB ID: 992
Scorekeeper
A wall can't stop me, I'm a Bill-legal immigrant
Panelists
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Mo Rocca
Correct: Mo Rocca
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new safe and run activity for the kids, Not My Job about rabbis, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: how will Mexico get back at us for building the wall?
Notes

After the mention of the "Meow The Jewels" album during the Not My Job segment, cat meowing sounds can be heard in the background. Also, at the end of the Not My Job segment, Peter slipped and said "Run The Jews" instead of "Run The Jewels".

For Maz Jobrani's second Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank question, he initially answered "NAFTA" and quickly changed it to "TPP" and Peter Sagal accepted it. All three panelists answered six Lightning round questions correct.

2017-02-04

NPR DB ID: 993
Scorekeeper
Hey Steve Bannon, let me be your Triumph of the Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Faith Salie
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new trend in publishing, Not My Job about The Shaggs, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the big surprise to come out of this week's Super Bowl?
Notes

Faith Salie was bleeped twice while telling her bluff story.

Mavis Staples did touch on the rumors of and the level of relationship with Bob Dylan during her first Not My Job guest appearance on 2008-12-20.

2017-02-11

NPR DB ID: 994
Scorekeeper
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Faith Salie
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Glynn This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a recently revealed story from the Cold War, Not My Job about the show Entourage, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: after mastering kitesurfing, what will Barack Obama do next?
Notes

Due to weather, both Bill Kurtis and the planned Not My Job guest, Lena Dunham, could not make it; so, Glynn Washington stepped in as guest judge and scorekeeper and Stephen Colbert stepped in as the Not My Job guest.

During the first Panel Round, Mo Rocca took umbrage that Peter Grosz got a point for his, not-quite-on-the-spot answer. Peter Grosz said he didn't deserve the point. Peter Sagal quipped back saying that, off all people, Mo shouldn't be complaining. Glynn Washington stated that he would give the point to Peter Grosz.

The Not My Job segment started off differently in that Stephen Colbert had to first guess who he was stepping in for as Not My Job guest. Although Stephen Colbert did not correctly answer the third, proper, Not My Job question, Glynn Washington still gave him the point. The last time there was an exception made for the Not My Job round was almost exactly one year earlier on the 2016-02-13 show.

During the second Panel Round, Glynn Washington said that he would take away a point from Mo Rocca for making a bris pizza joke. Mo Rocca would then "get" that point back during the Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank segment for his eighth answer, which involved the Brexit. That said, Mo Rocca entered the Lightning round with 2 points, answered six correctly and came out with 14 points. If Mo Rocca had actually lost a point earlier and actually entered the segment with 2 points, Mo would have had a total of 15 points (14 plus the one point re-instated).

2017-02-18

NPR DB ID: 995
Scorekeeper
Hey folks, don't get up in my grill, get up in my Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Alexandra Petri
Correct: Alexandra Petri
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about someone finding a new way to get backstage, Not My Job about J.D. Salinger, There Should Be A Word For That, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will Playboy try next if bringing back nudity does not work?
Notes

While Peter was chatting with the listener contestant at the beginning of Listener Limerick Challenge, Peter excused himself as he started to sneeze. The listener called one of his sneezes over the phone.

Not sure if the order of the questions asked for each panelist was left as-is during the editing process or not; but, all three panelists answered the same number of questions correctly in the same order: four correct, one incorrect, two correct, and the last one incorrect.

2017-02-25

Best Of Repeat: 2016-02-20 NPR DB ID: 996
Scorekeeper
I'm the anchor real men tattoo onto their chests
Description
Best of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! with a look back at some favorite guests and segments

2017-03-04

NPR DB ID: 997
Scorekeeper
Hey there, Jonathan Safran Foer, everything is Billuminated
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Roxanne Roberts
Correct: Roxanne Roberts
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about someone getting vigilante justice, Not My Job about Teletubbies, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next awards show snafu?
Notes

When Mo was trying to come up with the correct answer for his sixth Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank round question, he dismissed Instagram and Snapchat, but Snapchat was the correct answer and Mo started saying "Snap" a couple of times. After not immediately getting a ding, Mo said "Ding" and got his bell ding sound.

While Peter was explaining the answer to the Roxanne's last question of the round, in which the Venezuelan skier not having seen snow before and thus fell and got up more than 30 times during the run, Peter said, "if at first you don't succeed try... again" phrase with 36 instances of the word "try".

2017-03-11

NPR DB ID: 998
Host
Guest: Jessi Klein
Scorekeeper
I'm the Bill no one wants to repeal and replace
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Adam Felber
Correct: Adam Felber
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new theme retirement home opening up, Not My Job about three guys named Mike, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next change to make air travel even worse?
Notes

Jesse Klein stated that she was the first woman guest host of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!; but, Susan Stamberg was actually the first woman guest host the show back in August 2000. The show that Susan hosted aired on 2000-08-12.

During Alonzo Bodden's Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank round, Alonzo answered the last question in the round with "Ran". The official, correct answer was "waited, got impatient and left". Alonzo wanted Bill to give him the points. Bill stated that hew would get "two points for that answer"; but, that was not reflected in the final score.

2017-03-18

NPR DB ID: 999
Scorekeeper
We're cutting your budget by a Bill-ion
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Negin Farsad
Correct: Adam Burke
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new international crime gang on the scene, Not My Job about comic book sidekicks, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next household item to betray us?
Notes

Even though Paul Shaffer did not answer any of his Not My Job questions correctly, Bill Kurtis called him a winner because it was the "Chicago Way".

For Adam Burke's second Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank round question, he initially answered "spacecraft"; but, then Peter started saying "No..." causing Adam to change his answer to "Tesla". Even though the first answer is what is supposed to be used, Peter and Bill gave Adam credit for his second answer.

2017-03-25

NPR DB ID: 1000
Scorekeeper
I'm no doctor, but I'll be your healthcare Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Roxanne Roberts
Correct: Roxanne Roberts
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a snake joining the workforce, Not My Job about people who have made big mistakes, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what new home remedy will be created in response to the new health care bill?
Notes

Charley Pride had a lot of help from the audience when it came to answering the first two Not My Job questions correct. For the third one, Peter Sagal outright told Charley that the third one was correct before Charley provided his guess.

2017-04-01

NPR DB ID: 1001
Scorekeeper
Hey 007, I've got a license to Bill. Kurtis, is the name
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Luke Burbank
Correct: Luke Burbank
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, The Trump Dump, Bluff the Listener about someone who didn't get the memo, Not My Job about breakfast cereals, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will Great Britain once it's finally single?

2017-04-08

NPR DB ID: 1002
Scorekeeper
You've found your thrill on Blueberry Bill
Panelists
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Tom Bodett
Correct: Tom Bodett
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about an Uber driver having a bad day, Not My Job about exciting things scheduled for the year 2020, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be Pepsi's big comeback ad?
Notes

When Gov. John Hickenlooper was provided the three choices for the third Not My Job question, the audience started yelling out "C". That is the answer he went with and it was correct.

After the Listener Limerick Challenge contestant gave her introduction, Paula jumped in and was starting to go Columbo on the listener. Alonzo said that Paula had been set off by something that was said earlier and was in a mood.

Paula was stuttering and stammering through her prediction at the end of the show.

2017-04-15

Best Of NPR DB ID: 1003
Scorekeeper
I'm the anchor who guarantees a gold medal
Description
Best of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! revisiting favorite moments, including a few that never made the air, from recent shows
Notes

Jessi Klein was the guest host for the first segment and Tom Hanks was the guest host for the last two segments of this Best Of... show

2017-04-22

NPR DB ID: 1004
Scorekeeper
Don't eat at IKEA, try my Swedish meat-Bills
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Faith Salie
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a head of state upsetting their people with erratic behavior, Not My Job about footwear, The Trump Dump, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will Bill O'Reilly do next?
Notes

The listener contestant for the Who's Bill This Time? segment is a Latin adjunct instructor and was asked to say "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" in Latin and did so.

When Faith Salie read the quotes that she used in her Bluff the Listener story, she attempted a New Zealand accent that was closer to how Dick Van Dyke sounded in Mary Poppins. When revealing the correct answer, the New Zealander speaking in the recording had a very mild accent and that shocked Faith.

The answer to one of Faith's Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank questions was the Teresa May, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Mo Rocca's Bluff story was about... Teresa May, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

2017-04-29

NPR DB ID: 1005
Scorekeeper
I hope you're not feeling ill, but I do hope you're feeling Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Tom Bodett
Correct: Tom Bodett
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a very modern crime, Not My Job about underwear briefs, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next big blue jean technology?

2017-05-06

NPR DB ID: 1006
Scorekeeper
Looking for a fun vacation? Take a trip to the Billapagos Islands
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Roxanne Roberts
Correct: Luke Burbank
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new tourist attraction in Indianapolis, Indiana, Not My Job about locks, stocks and barrels, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next terrible thing we enjoy watching happen to rich people?
Notes

Even though Guy Ritchie knew that correct answer for the first Not My Job question was "C", but opted to answer with "B" as he liked it better. At the end of the Not My Job segment, Bill Kurtis said that Guy "got them all right". Although that is correct due to guy knowing all the correct questions, but did not opt to choose the right one for the first one.

2017-05-13

NPR DB ID: 1007
Scorekeeper
U-tah, me-Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Negin Farsad
Correct: Alonzo Bodden
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new way to impress your date, Not My Job about business moguls, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: who will be the surprising new FBI director?
Notes

After Hannah Kearney gave her first guess to the second Not My Job question, the audience started shouting out answers. Hannah asked if she could poll the audience, in which they shouted "C". Hannah changed her answer to "C", which was the correct answer. After Peter listed the three possible answers for the third question, the audience started shouting out "C" again, which Hannah chose and it was the correct answer as well.

During the Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank segment, Alonzo Bodden was trying to come up with the answer "Kim Jong Un" and, according to Peter, was close enough with "Kim Jong Il". Alonzo also tried to remember Jared Kushner's last name and knew it was a "Jared". Peter said that was enough and accepted the partial answer.

2017-05-20

NPR DB ID: 1008
Scorekeeper
I'm not Kendrick Lamar, but sit down, be hum-Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Faith Salie
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about someone whose online celebrity turned out bad for them, Not My Job about peaches, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the big surprise from President Trump's trip abroad?
Notes

The correct answer for all three Not My Job questions were "C".

After Faith Salie answered all eight of her Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank questions correct, Bill Kurtis mentioned that 19 points is the highest score that he has seen since becoming judge and scorekeeper. Looking at the data, Bill is correct and the only other times in which someone scored 19 points, three times in fact, when Bill as scorekeeper was Roxanne Roberts.

2017-05-27

NPR DB ID: 1009
Scorekeeper
It's time for the rose ceremony, and I'm your Bill-achelor
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Alonzo Bodden
Correct: Amy Dickinson
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new feature in a car, Not My Job about Amazon Prime, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what souvenir will President Trump bring back from his trip abroad?
Notes

All three panelists have first names that start with the letter "A". Last time that happened was on 2016-04-02 and also had the same three panelists.

After Alonzo Bodden finished answering the Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank round questions, Bill Kurtis said that he answered 4 correct for 8 more points, and a total of 10 points. Alonzo started with 3 points and 8 more would total 11 points. Recording the corrected score with this footnote.

2017-06-03

Best Of NPR DB ID: 1010
Scorekeeper
I'm the Bill people hope is waiting in the mailbox
Description
Best of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! featuring favorite moments, including several that haven't been aired until now, from past shows

2017-06-10

NPR DB ID: 1011
Scorekeeper
Legendary Anchorman
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Faith Salie
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new way to celebrate one's upcoming nuptials, Not My Job about monks and monasteries, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will James Comey forget to tell us at his hearing?
Notes

This is the second time in which the show featured an all women panel. The first time was 2015-09-12, which also featured Faith Salie and Paula Poundstone (along with Roxanne Roberts).

The last time that Bill Kurtis used "Legendary Anchorman" in his intro was back on a non-Best Of show was 2015-04-18.

Faith Salie gave an assist to the listener after Bill Kurtis read the second limerick by speaking in a robotic voice.

After Tracy finished answering her Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank questions and Peter asked how many Faith would need to win, Tracy asked Faith to throw the game; because, it was Tracy's first time on the show.

2017-06-17

NPR DB ID: 1012
Scorekeeper
Good news. For Father's Day, you get an edi-Bill arrangement
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Amy Dickinson
Correct: Amy Dickinson
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a pop star's new secret life, Not My Job about Chevy Chase, The Trump Dump, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will President Trump get for his birthday?
Notes

The Bluff the Listener contestant originally chose Roy Blount, Jr.'s bluff; but, the audience reacted strong against the choice. The listener then changed over to Amy Dickinson's bluff and was correct.

2017-06-24

NPR DB ID: 1013
Scorekeeper
I'm the bill Mitch McConnell wants to work in secret
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Phoebe Robinson
Correct: Brian Babylon
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about someone with a real good reason to move out of their house, Not My Job about King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will Jeff Bezos buy next?
Notes

The correct answer for the third Not My Job question was not just one of the three possible answers, but all three; which, Eddie Izzard guessed correctly.

There was some pen or button clicking sound during a couple of segments during the show, but most evident during Alonzo Bodden's Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank round. Alonzo took a little long to come up with an answer for his third Lightning question and Peter reminded him that it was the "Lightning" round.

2017-07-01

NPR DB ID: 1014
Scorekeeper
Get a look at my crack, I'm the Liberty Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Tom Bodett
Correct: Tom Bodett
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a hot new thing in wrestling, Not My Job about cake icing, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: who will be the next kids' book hero?
Notes

Even though Bernie Parent answered two of three questions correct, Bill Kurtis gave him credit for all three. The second panelist round featured a correction and addressing items from letters and comments that they received from listeners regarding the previous show.

2017-07-08

Best Of NPR DB ID: 1015
Scorekeeper
I'm the man beyond your puny power to comprehend. That's right, I'm inconvceiva-Bill
Description
Best Of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! featuring several favorite interviews and a few never been aired before moments

2017-07-15

NPR DB ID: 1016
Scorekeeper
Hey Don Jr., don't collude with Russians. Bill-lude with me!
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Luke Burbank
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about an engagement proposal unlike any before, Not My Job about the Plaza Hotel in New York City, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: What will be President Trump's favorite memory from his trip to Paris?

2017-07-22

NPR DB ID: 1017
Scorekeeper
Hey O.J., now that you're free, come find the real Biller
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Correct: Paula Poundstone
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new tech peripheral, Not My Job about potatoes, Trump Dump, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next thing to get nerds all excited?
Notes

The audience reacted when Bassem Youssef his first guess for his third Not My Job question, thus leading to Peter Sagal giving Bassam another chance.

While Paula was trying to figure out the correct answer to her second panel round question, Peter gave her hints to narrow down to the correct answer.

During the Listener Limerick Challenge, the topic of people listening to podcasts at "Chipmunk" speed. That lead to Paula saying that people would hear "Thanks for having me, Peter. I lose!" when people would listen to her on Wait Wait at chipmunk speed.

Bill Kurtis stated that Tom Bodett's 17 points was the highest score he's seen since being on the show. There have been 4 times where panelists have scored 19 points and 10 times where panelists have scored 18 points on shows where Bill was judge and scorekeeper.

2017-07-29

NPR DB ID: 1018
Scorekeeper
Hey, there. No matter who you are, you're welcome to serve in the Bill-itary
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Adam Felber
Correct: Adam Felber
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about breaking summer camp rules, Not My Job about belly itching, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will cause President Trump to turn on Anthony Scaramucci?
Notes

Adam Felber started questioning Peter about the UK study that found people who drive over two hours a day get dumber; in which, Peter responded back with, "What, are you Paula?" Adam is on Paula Poundstone's "Live from the Poundstone Institute" podcast from NPR.

2017-08-05

NPR DB ID: 1019
Scorekeeper
Hey, Guy Raz, watch how I Bill This
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Adam Burke
Correct: Adam Burke
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about peanut butter in the news, Not My Job about the timber industry, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will make President Trump turn on to new Chief of Staff John Kelly?
Notes

The Bluff the Listener contestant initially chose Patton Oswalt's bluff story, but the audience reacted disapprovingly. After some nudging from Peter, the contestant changed her choice over to Adam Burke's story.

During the Not My Job segment, Faith Salie asked Jeffery Tambor what his favorite book was. Jeffery decided to start eating something instead of answering the question, causing Patton asking Jeffery if he was eating.

The Listener Limerick Challenge contestant is a distant relative to Abner Doubleday, who, in some circles, has been credited at one point (but refuted) with creating baseball.

2017-08-12

NPR DB ID: 1020
Scorekeeper
Hey, before the apocalypse starts, let me be your last Bill and testament
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Alonzo Bodden
Correct: Roy Blount, Jr.
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about someone using the Freedom of Information act to request some surprising information, Not My Job about Hannah Montana, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what crazy thing will happen using the solar eclipse?
Notes

After Peter Sagal read the three options for the first Not My Job question, someone in the audience yelled out "C" and Jerry Rice chose to go with "C"; which, was the correct answer. The audience also helped out by yelling "A" for the second Not My Job question.

Peter asked the same Bill Murray going to see performances of a play adaptation of "Groundhog Day" on all three panelists during Lightning Fill-in-the-blank. When asked if Alonzo Bodden was ready to start his set of Lightning round questions, he asked if he could concede.

2017-08-19

Best Of NPR DB ID: 1021
Scorekeeper
I'm a man so pure and honest, they named that quality after me, I'm incorrupti-Bill
Description
Best Of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! featuring several favorite Not My Job interviews and some material that hasn't been aired before
Notes

The guest scorekeeper for the Not My Job segment with Stephen Colbert was Glynn Washington and the segment came from the 2017-02-11 show. Information regarding the scoring exception can be found in the show notes for that show.

2017-08-26

Repeat: 2017-01-14 NPR DB ID: 1022
Host
Guest: Tom Hanks
Scorekeeper
I can tell your future, I'm your Crystal Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Luke Burbank
Correct: Luke Burbank
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about improving workspace morale, Not My Job about the history of the iPhone, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be President Obama's next job?
Notes

This show is an encore presentation of the Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! show that aired on 2017-01-14.

Tom Hanks used the phrase similar to "hands on buzzer" a couple of times. Tom Hanks also called Bill Kurtis "Bill Kurtis with a K" a couple of times as well.

Paula Poundstone used the last name "Swamu" again in her Bluff the Listener story.

2017-09-02

NPR DB ID: 1023
Scorekeeper
Hey, Maria von Trapp, climb my mountain. And the Bills are alive with the sound of music
Panelists
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Roxanne Roberts
Correct: Roxanne Roberts
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a company finding a way to prosper, Not My Job about centaurs, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next surprising retail partnership?
Notes

All three of the options for the third Not My Job question were actually correct; as, all three titles are actually centaur-related books available on Amazon.

Mo Rocca asked if his panelist prediction would be inappropriate to read or not.

2017-09-09

NPR DB ID: 1024
Scorekeeper
Hey, Kim Jong Un, why don't you try and launch me? I'm a Billistic missile
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Helen Hong
Correct: Helen Hong
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about fundraising for an unusual reason, Not My Job about strange arcade games, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next big cheating scandal?
Notes

The listener contestant for the Limerick segment forgot that the answer has to fit the limerick's rhyme scheme for the first limerick; but, he was given a second chance to give the correct answer.

Peter Sagal accepted P.J. O'Rourke's beating around the bush answer for P.J.'s fourth Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank question.

2017-09-16

NPR DB ID: 1025
Scorekeeper
Hey there, Debra Messing, how about a return of "Bill & Grace"
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Amy Dickinson
Correct: Amy Dickinson
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about falafel in the news, Not My Job about the kings of the Stone Age, The Flintstones, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the title of Hillary Clinton's next book?
Notes

Peter slipped up and said "Burr! Burr!" instead of "Blur! Blur!" in response to the dating app referenced in the first Listener Limerick. Peter said that he had "Hamilton" on his mind. The listener contestant's answer for the third limerick was "Build a Bear", which was not correct but Peter accepted it due to its funny nature and that the listener's service to the nation.

Peter accepted Hari's answer of "Head of Hillary Clinton" for a Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank question regarding Martin Shkrelli's request for Hillary Clinton's hair.

2017-09-23

NPR DB ID: 1026
Scorekeeper
You don't have to speak Tagalog to visit the Bill-ippines
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Adam Burke
Correct: Luke Burbank
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a surprising theory on the STEM gender gap, Not My Job about cookies, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: how will the world end?
Notes

The listener contestant answered "gross, disgusting fish" for the third Listener Limerick and Peter Sagal accepted the answer. The correct answer was "gefilte fish".

2017-09-30

NPR DB ID: 1027
Scorekeeper
Hey there, ancient Mesopotamians, get ready for the epic of Bill-gamesh
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Mo Rocca
Correct: Mo Rocca
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about Star Wars showing up in an unexpected location, Not My Job about ghosting, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will NBC do to fix Megyn Kelly's new show?
Notes

Adam Scott had a bit of help from Mo Rocca, and some from the audience, with the third Not My Job question.

Amy asked Peter for a hint for her last Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank question, but Peter said it was established that no hints were given. Amy then asked if the answer involved cheese and Peter said that answering that would be giving a hint.

Peter accepted Alonzo's answer of "a note" for his last Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank question. The correct answer was "40 bucks, half a joint and a note"

2017-10-07

NPR DB ID: 1028
Scorekeeper
That's right, I'm gazing at Uranus. I'm the Hub-Bill telescope
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Helen Hong
Correct: Helen Hong
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about someone whose powers became their downfall, Not My Job about Conan The Destroyer, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next scandal involving granola?

2017-10-14

Best Of NPR DB ID: 1029
Scorekeeper
I'm the breed that seems vicious, but I'm a sweetheart when you get to know me. I'm your pit Bill
Description
Best Of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! featuring several favorite Not My Job guests and a some never-before-aired material
Notes

The order in which the Not My Job guest segments were included in this Best Of show also matches the chronological order in which the guests originally appeared as guests on the show. The three guests were also consecutive Not My Job guests, with a Best Of show airing between the shows that Bernie Parent and Aubrey Plaza were on, respectively.

2017-10-21

NPR DB ID: 1030
Scorekeeper
Look out Tokyo, here comes God-Billa!
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Roxanne Roberts
Correct: Negin Farsad
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about voter fraud somewhere in the world, Not My Job about actual Vikings, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next big lie we hear?
Notes

Starting with this show, the winners can now choose which host, scorekeeper or panelist they would like to record their answering machine or voicemail message.

2017-10-28

NPR DB ID: 1031
Scorekeeper
Hey Paul Ryan, no need to debate, I'll be your tax reform Bill
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Luke Burbank
Correct: Luke Burbank
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about technology giving us better manners, Not My Job about Dairy Queen, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the shocking revelation in the newly-released JFK files?
Notes

The audience chanted "Luuuuuuke" when Luke Burbank was introduced and after winning the Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank segment.

Adam Burke flexed his French accents while telling his Bluff the Listener story.

2017-11-04

NPR DB ID: 1032
Scorekeeper
I hope you're hungry, you're about to get a big plate of spaghetti Bill-ignese
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Helen Hong
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a city moving toward the future, Not My Job about IHOP, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: who will be the next person to be indicted?
Notes

Scott Kelly got a little nudge from Peter Sagal after he provided his first choice for the first Not My Job question. Scott changed his answer to "C", which was the correct answer.

During the Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank segment, Helen Hong answered "China" for her fourth question; which, Peter accepted it as a correct answer. The answer that they were looking for was "Asia".

2017-11-11

NPR DB ID: 1033
Scorekeeper
I'll take care of that odor, I'm your Bill Kurtis-y flush
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Tom Bodett
Correct: Tom Bodett
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, The Trump Dump, Bluff the Listener about a stand out birthday party activity, Not My Job about Taco Bell, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next big innovation from Twitter?
Notes

Roxanne Roberts is the first panelist to break the 20 point barrier with her perfect run of the Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank segment.

2017-11-18

NPR DB ID: 1034
Scorekeeper
Put on your tutu, you're going to the Bill-et
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Correct: Paula Poundstone
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a homeowner association having to deal with a surprising problem, Not My Job about Jessica Simpson, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next big cheating scandal?

2017-11-25

Best Of NPR DB ID: 1035
Scorekeeper
Don't worry folks, I know it looks bad, but it's treata-Bill
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Tom Bodett
Correct: Tom Bodett
Description
Best of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! featuring several favorite Not My Job guests and several never-before-aired moments
Notes

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! taped two shows while in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 19th and 20th. The Bluff the Listener and the Not My Job segments included on this Best Of show comes from the show that taped on October 20th.

Normally, the chosen bluff and the correct bluff from Bluff the Listener segments re-aired on Best Of shows do not get noted in the Stats Page database. In this case, the Bluff the Listener segment was not aired as part of a regular Wait Wait show, I have noted the chosen and correct bluff information for this show.

Another instance of Mo Rocca using the surname "Bagnoli" in his Bluff the Listener story.

2017-12-02

NPR DB ID: 1036
Scorekeeper
Hey Seattle, you be my Donald, I'll be your Bill-ania
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Negin Farsad
Correct: Hari Kondabolu
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a snack food in the news, Not My Job about female birds, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be Prince Harry and Megan Markle's favorite wedding present?
Notes

There was much chanting of "Luuuuuuke!" by the audience at the Moore Theatre when Luke was introduced on the panel and some of the inter-segment transitions.

2017-12-09

NPR DB ID: 1037
Scorekeeper
Kur-'tis the season
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Faith Salie
Correct: Faith Salie
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a new reason to see the musical "Cats", Not My Job about method acting, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will Russian winter athletes do now that they are not going to the Olympics?
Notes

All three questions about actors method acting were about actor Shia LaBeouf. The correct answers for the Not My Job were, in order: A, B and C.

After Faith Salie answered her Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank questions, Bill Kurtis said that she only answered five correct. According to the number of bell dings given for Faith Salie's Lightning Fill-in-the-Blank answers and Peter Sagal's responses after Faith gave her answers, Faith answered six questions correct. Faith should have had a total of 15 points instead of 13. The score listed reflects the official record as stated by Bill Kurtis.

2017-12-16

NPR DB ID: 1038
Host
Guest: Mike Pesca
Scorekeeper
Hark, hear the Bills, sweet silver Bills
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Negin Farsad
Correct: Mo Rocca
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about something medieval making a comeback, Not My Job about the turducken, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the next unnecessary food innovation?
Notes

Bill Kurtis was bleeped when giving the theme for the Bluff the Listener segment. While telling her Bluff story, Negin Farsad started to list off guillotine-related pun names for various recipes that could be prepared with a kitchen guillotine and then said, "This is so stupid"

2017-12-23

NPR DB ID: 1039
Scorekeeper
Hey there Hillary, it takes a Bill-age
Panelists
Guests
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Roxanne Roberts
Correct: Peter Grosz
Description
Who's Bill This Time?, Bluff the Listener about a scandal in the world of chess, Not My Job about the New York Post, Listener Limerick Challenge, Panelist Predictions: what will be the biggest surprise about aliens, once we finally encounter them?

2017-12-30

Best Of NPR DB ID: 1040
Scorekeeper
I'm the dignified news anchor with an irresistible bass line. That's right, I'm dancea-Bill
Bluff(s)
#1
Chosen: Mo Rocca
Correct: Mo Rocca
Description
Best of Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! with a look back at some favorite Not My Job interviews and previously un-aired material from the past year, part one
Notes

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! taped two shows while in San Francisco, California on August 10th and 11th. The Bluff the Listener and the Not My Job segments included on this Best Of show comes from the show that taped on August 11th.

Normally, the chosen bluff and the correct bluff from Bluff the Listener segments re-aired on Best Of shows do not get noted in the Stats Page database. In this case, the Bluff the Listener segment was not aired as part of a regular Wait Wait show, I have noted the chosen and correct bluff information for this show.

The first segment features Tom Hanks as guest host on the show that aired on 2017-01-14.

Mo Rocca tried to persuade Lars Ulrich to change his choice for the first Not My Job question. Lars asked the audience for help and many of them shouted out "B"; but, Lars stuck with "A", which was not correct. Mo said, "It's not that" after Peter Sagal read the second option for the second question. The audience was split on which answer they thought was correct. And, before Lars started to come up with an answer for the third question, the audience started outing out answers, many agreeing on "B".