NPR: Make Your Own NPR Story

Make Your Own NPR Story

As you may have heard, I created a radio piece that is the BPP's attempt to bring together all the classic elements of typical NPR.org Most E-Mailed stories. And we're judging our success by how far up the Most E-mailed list we get. (As of right now we're at number eight. Help us out!)

We're also judging our success by the response of our colleagues, and if that's any indication, the piece is a success. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music sent me an e-mail that's so hilarious, I've decided to post it here...

Stephen writes:

Loved the Most Emailed Stories piece...Last summer, I did a piece about wedding CDs that topped the list for three days; if I ever improve on that performance, it'll be with a story I've been pitching called "Herbal Remedies for Your Dog's Autism."

Shortly after starting at NPR, my best friend, Linda Holmes of Television Without Pity, wrote this helpful list to prepare me for work here. She totally forgot autism.

NPR Most E-Mailed Stories (Any Day):

1. How [Guy] Uses His Church For [Not-Entirely-Sacred Purpose]
2. Making A Tasty Salad From [Blank], [Pun Word Related To "Blank"]-Style
3. [Foreign Word] [Foreign Word] [Foreign Word] Isn't What You Think
4. When Your [Area Of The Body] Itches
5. How Nail Polish Remover Is Killing The Fish Of [Country]
6. Getting Your Boneheaded Kids To [Ancient Art Form]
7. Change Comes To The [Thing You've Never Heard Of]
8. [Disgraced/Disrespected/Hobbled Musician] Returns With Soaring "[Word From Title Of Song]"
9. Halting [Disease] With [Kind Of Dancing]
10. Teach Your Dog To Play [Board Game]
11. The Dramatic Tale Of The [Mundane Thing]
12. My [Family Member], My [Sturdy Object]
13. [Unlikely Concept]? [Declaration Of Certainty]!
14. [Powerful Institution] To [Upstart]: "Not So Fast"
15. Earth's [Characteristic Of Planet] Threatened By New [Cosmetic Or Food]
16. [Long-Forgotten Writer] Returns With [Soon-Forgotten Book]
17. A Garden Of [Abstract Concept]
18. Don't Ignore That [Type Of Blemish]
19. Rediscovering The Humble [Household Object]: From Junk Drawer To [Other Place Starting With "J"]
20. In [Country], Saving The [Kind Of Bird] Takes [Virtue]
21. A Videogame Where [Social Ill] Is The Real Enemy
22. Three Cheers For The [Kind Of Flower]: Is It Pollen Its Weight In Your Garden?
23. [Incredibly Serious International Incident]
24. Sowing The Seeds Of [Desired Outcome] In The Fertile Soil Of [Kind Of Children]
25. It's A Purr-fect Time To Vaccinate Against [Cat Ailment]

Dan Pashman

12:33 PM ET | 02-13-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Genius Dan Pashman! I love it - and am forwarding to my friends. Couldn't stop giggling and had to share.

Sent by Deanne | 4:22 PM ET | 02-13-2008

so far, your story is #4. . .

Sent by eliz.s. | 4:23 PM ET | 02-13-2008

Between Dan's radio piece and Stephen's reply on the blog, I am in total awe of BPP's ascending mojo. We are not worthy....

Sent by andy carvin, npr | 4:53 PM ET | 02-13-2008

In the Netti Pot vein, I would love to see/hear/email a story about the gross yet fascinating use of "ear candles." Pictures of results would be an added bonus!

Sent by Jennifer Walker Gates | 6:01 PM ET | 02-13-2008

if there's not a book of hysterical fiction in you...i'll just have to eat my quinoa...you really are a very amusing writer...that super grain goes directly to the brain and then of course gravity takes over!!!

Sent by jay | 7:05 AM ET | 02-14-2008

God, I knew there was a reason I loved the BPP. Now, if we can only post the list of "NPR Frequently Asked Questions That Don't Involve 'I can't find Marketplace!'"

Sent by Kate | 10:02 AM ET | 02-14-2008

Dan - your story is, of course, great - I've eMailed it to many, many people! C'mon #1! (I got the David Alan Coe reference, BTW)
AND - Stephen Thompson's eMail response was SO funny, I almost {bodily function] in my [type of garment].
Glenn Eldon Wonacott

Sent by Glenn Eldon Wonacott | 2:29 PM ET | 02-14-2008

Let me explain something to you. Autism isn't funny in any context. Can't figure out why? Must be your smugness getting in the way. Let's try a little word replacement: "Herbal Remedies for Your Dog's Lifelong Mental Disorder that will mean your son will never understand what you are saying to him, never have friends, never fall in love, and die alone in an institution where no one cares about him."

That's Autism. When I die, my last thoughts will be that I'm leaving my son alone in a world that doesn't care about him and finds in his condition, a chance for a cheap laugh. You and Mo Rocca find humor in my son's tragedy. You're contemptible.

Sent by Matt Kaufman | 5:08 PM ET | 02-20-2008

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