THE O.B.E. MAIL BAG
This portion of the O.B.E is dedicated to those of you who are among the living. During the course of the year, feel free to e-mail the O.B.E. with thoughts, opinions,
and general fun stuff.
This page reads from the top down. Wanna go directly to the most recent postings? Just press this thingy.
THE FINAL CURTAIN:
Just wanted to give you a little look into what we're thinking when we put together a list of 13 people not on your list
(The Final Curtain, year 4). First, here's what you think about it:
As it stands right now, it appears that we have about 19 names that will get the dreaded ***Not a Celebrity*** designation.
That's what happens when ya get "wrestling only" lists, and "I'm only gonna enter names you haven't recognized on your web page
before" lists and “well, all these names are common in the NY Times Arts section” lists. Don't get us wrong, we actually like
these types of creative lists. However, we also know that we'll end up nixing a few picks from them. Watchers, you simply can’t
imagine how we labor and argue about celebrity status. It tears us up inside (or maybe that was that last India pale ale).
We realize that in so doing, we risk not everyone being accepted. And if that happens, and it has before, we are not devastated or angry.
We've never even thought about making 2 little The Guys dolls and sticking them with pins. :) We just honestly think of it as a
challenge, and we have it in the back of our minds all year as we come across someone who might fit on that list.
It's fun for us to put the list together, and if by chance the entire list gets accepted, as it has 2 out of 3 times so far
(I'm guessing from what you wrote - above - that this year we won't be so lucky), then we're ecstatic. If not everyone goes through,
then we accept it as the good sports we are. :)
So don't worry about our reaction to whomever you nixed this year. We'll just try again next year! For whatever reasons we really can't
figure out, we genuinely enjoy this!
THE GUYS:
It's emails like this one that help us continue to love running this game even during the times we hate running this game. Thank you!
P.S. Three names got bumped from The Final Curtain. You could run a quick side pool locally to guess which three before we
post on the 10th.
THE FINAL CURTAIN:
We think the 3 people you bumped from The Final Curtain are:
1. Irene Papas because she's from Greece and we're not :)
2. Connie Sawyer, whom we think you would acknowledge as being at least semi-famous, but not recognizable as a celebrity
3. Hard to choose the 3rd one, but probably Shecky Greene, and that's only because of your age - had you been 15-20 years older,
you would've heard a lot of him. -- If you kept Shecky Greene on and bumped Charley Pride, that's a tough one, because back in the
day he was VERY well-known, even more so than Ferlin Husky!! :) (And yes, I remember that issue.) Him being African American was at
first a novelty, but then he really did have quite a run as being near the top of the charts for several years, but in COUNTRY music,
not your favorite genre.
When we see which ones you nixed, we will add that information to the vault labeled "What We Know About The Guys" for when we maybe
try it again next year, or maybe we'll just do something brand new and we'll decide to enter 13 boring, unimaginative names of
people already on the list. We really are just having fun with it, not trying to bait you or anything! - By the way, on New Years Eve
night, our crew had a bright idea to put Phil Collins on a list, but alas, we had already submitted them. Between that and the fact that
a couple of our crew's lists had Rose Marie on them, I can't see any reason to submit lists next year until 11 p.m. on 12-31-18!!! :)
(Written on my calendar already to make sure we remember!!)
Hope you received our donations. And I hope we get a couple of better jobs this year so we can cover $10 per entry like we have in the
past, oh, and so we can pay our bills and buy groceries. :) (Does that connote obsession??? we think not.)
Looking forward to seeing the 2018 entries, and rest assured that although many people will assail you for your choices, we won't be
in that number. Someone has to make the hard decisions, and YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE!!
THE GUYS:
Hey OBE Death Watch Players and fans. Read these emails again. This!!! This, this, this!!!! This is exactly what got us started in
the stupid Death Watch and it's exactly what keeps us going. Wish we had 1,000 players like Final Curtain and the whole crew from IN.
They love the game, the memories, the people who helped define our lives. They get it. AND they donate. Seriously, after 21 years of
this nonsense, a couple of emails like this mean the world to us. They mean more than the donations (well, almost). Thank you!!!
Oldest Celebrities 96-102
The Final Curtain
It Tastes Kind Of Like Sad
Styx & Headstones
88+
Hollywood Funerals
A Queen, 2 Presidents, & Other Decent People
To B Or Not To B
Children Of The Roaring 20s
Women Eventually Die
Women Do Live Longer Than Men
THE FINAL CURTAIN:
Just checking my email before I end this exhausting day and what has been one of the most trying weeks of my life - so far 2018 SUCKS!
And tomorrow doesn't promise to be any better. But this must be a mutual pick-me-up right now, because it's just what I needed!
Thanks for "getting" us just like we "get" you.
THE GUYS:
The good days and the bad days are all the good days. Really. Some are just gooder than others!
THE FINAL CURTAIN:
Thanks. I need to remember that.
AND AWAY WE GO:
I'm appalled by the lack of donations so far, I'm hoping as a long time participant of the "Watch" My appeal will get a
few more to reach in their pockets and donate. I know you do this for fun and beers. Mostly beers, but in this day and age
everything costs money. So to keep this great fun thing going please reach in your pocket and help the guys out, if you all donate a
small amount and believe me that is all that is needed a small amount from each and every player this can continue forever, or at
least till they stop making beer.
THE GUYS:
Here, here! Or is that beer, beer! Regardless, hope they send us a few bucks for goodness sake.
MORGUENOLIA BLOSSOM LEE:
Donation coming. Just lazy
THE GUYS:
Good thing you don't work in an emergency room.
MORGUENOLIA BLOSSOM LEE:
Donation rescinded.
THE GUYS:
REALLY good thing you don't work in an emergency room.
THE BABY CRUSHERS:
The Baby Crushers here. Now, this email is not a complaint but a request for clarification. I was reading the mail bag and there was a
long and somewhat confusing email from "The Final Curtain" that stated, "And I hope we get a couple of better jobs this year so
we can cover $10 per entry." I know there is an O.B.E. rule that states only one entry per household. Is this the situation
that we have here or is there a simple explanation that I am missing?
THE GUYS:
The rules actually allow for more than one entry per household. They limit play to one entry per player or team. So, for example,
a husband and wife could each enter the OBE (and several do). What we are trying to avoid is having one person enter multiple lists.
Allowing multiple list entries per person would take away some of the fun and, because we don't have a per list entry fee, it would
encourage moochers to flood the Death Watch with lists (why not, it's free right).
Now, the case with Final Curtain is as follows. There are group of folks in IN, several of whom are in the same family and a few
of whom married into the family or are family friends. Each individual enters a list. However, members of the group have told
us many times that they meet and discuss all of their lists, come up with themes for their lists and compare notes. It's a
ritual for them. These are a group of die hard Death Watchers. One member of the group actually sends in a donation each
year and asks that we split it across many of the group's submitted lists. Instructions are even included as to how much each
list should be credited as a donation. We know all this because over the years this group has had significant communication
with us regarding their love of the game, their approach to picking celebrities, and their desire to develop creative lists.
It's actually been a blast watching what they have done and how the group has grown.
So no, there is no "double dipping". Each entry is from a single individual and none of those individuals enter more than one list.
However yes, some of those individuals (though not all) reside in the same home.
Hope that helps clarify.
THE BABY CRUSHERS:
Yes... you cleared that up. I understand the rule now and I understand that these folks
are following the rules. Thank you for taking the time to explain.
IT'S TIME TO SLEEP:
I want to thank you for the hard work that you do.I would like to donate $25 dollars of my come from behind 3rd place victory to the O.B.E.
As for the Dairy Queen gift card, have a Dilly Bar on me. I would like your Church going Staff to put $25 in the basket for me.
I know dead Celebrity's are looking down on us. I honor there lives by reading every thing about them, except for Manson.
He can go you-know-where. I hope I get respect now from my fellow O.B.E. fans. I hope to receive $50 of my 3rd place finish.
THE GUYS:
To be clear, are you asking us to hold back $50 ($25 to the OBE and $25 to the Church Basket) and to send you the balance ($50).
IT'S TIME TO SLEEP:
Yes: Thanks for your reply. And don’t forget to take your sweetie out for a Dilly Bar.
CELEBRITY FERTILIZER:
I’m curious, looking through the website, "The Guys' List" still says it’s your 2017 picks? Did it get updated? No big
deal if it didn’t, just my OCD. Pretty dumb thing to write about huh? I mean, who’s going to care much less take the time to
write about such a small detail? Ridiculous really! Ha, stupid OCD, haha. Yeah. Just silly.
THE GUYS:
Typo. Fixed now.
"EVERYONE LOVES DOUBLE COLA":
Is this where is send my entry? Last year I screwed up and sent my entry to the email without the e in the address. This year I didn't.
Did I get in? I don't see my list on the entries page. It especially hurts this year. I had Jerry Van Dyke.
Let me know what I'm supposed to do. I've been in this thing for almost 10 years now. I love it.
THE GUYS:
Your entry was received, entered and is posted under the name "Everyone Loves Double Cola". It is the fourth entry on the page.
Jerry Van Dyke was entered as the Alternate (14th position). Your Alternate was not exercised as no deaths from your list occurred
between your submittal and the start of the 2018 game.
"EVERYONE LOVES DOUBLE COLA":
Ah, yes. I also like beer. Thanks guys. Donation is in the works.
I'm glad you all are good at this.
THE MUERTO GIGANTE AWAKENS:
Can I get my team named changed to the correct spelling? Currently it is listed as "The Muerto Giante Awakens".
It should read "The Muerto Gigante Awakens". I can't sleep now and cats look at me funny in the alley.
THE GUYS:
Within the week Matt. Been a bit busy.
THE MUERTO GIGANTE AWAKENS:
You guys are the best. And I'm not just saying that because I'm also the best. I'm saying that because *you're* the best. Like me.
AND AWAY WE GO:
Think you guys, missed a death. The "Former" Living Legend Bruno Sammartino. Keep up the great work and have another beer. I AM!!!
THE GUYS:
Didn't miss it. Likely not posting it though. Bruno wasn't on any lists and he didn't transcend the wrestling world
(where he was admittedly a superstar early on). To us, "greatest athletes" are only celbs if they show up on the Brady Bunch too.
VALAR MORGHULIS:
I am very sad (but happy) to report that my unique pick, Charles Krauthammer has died.
Do you think you could do an update for him?
THE GUYS:
It's going to be hard to do an update for HIM. However, we can do an update for you. Will work on website soon (next few days).
BECKEY:
Norman Lloyd is 103. And a half.
Olivia De Havilland just turned 102 yesterday, and people are rightfully celebrating her life and her career.
For the past few years, I have tried to put the oldest celebrities on my list, even named my list that, not to hasten their
departure nor to wish for it, but just because it seems more likely that they may have lived out their lives and gone on to that
great celebrity gathering in the sky. But now it seems like if old, old celebrities want to live on, they're pretty safe if
they're on my list! :)
But for now I will join in the celebration for Olivia De Havilland's 102nd birthday - and many more!
BECKEY:
Jerry Maren died on May 24. And he is on my list. :)
Just helping, not finding fault, for as you know, I'm a big fan of what you do. Hope things are well with you guys.
THE GUYS:
We must have overlooked this one. Get it? OVERlooked. We're dying over here. OVERlooked. Oh brother, that's a good one.
Will update the page soon.
BECKEY:
You guys crack me up! :) In a dark, twisted way, of course, but still...
BECKEY:
Just noticed - - When I get credit for Jerry Marin, I'll be one of the top. I know you'll be as excited as I will be.
THE GUYS:
Actually, you are tied for second. Jersey Ice has a bit more points. Finally have updated the page though!
BECKEY:
Okay. I'll take it, even though I know it's temporary. Thanks!!
PAUL BERER:
When do you guys plan to update the scores? I have had two hits since the last update which should put me at or near the top,
Charlotte Rae and Stan Mikita. Looking forward to a temporary stay in contention.
THE GUYS:
Soon. We were on vacation.
! WORMS GOTTA EAT:
I will be a first time entrant for 2019.
Having read "the rules", might I assume that the following would NOT be considered a celebrity?
Bill Freehan - Detroit Tigers H.O.F. Catcher - 1968 World Series Champion
John Franzese - Oldest living member of the Gambino Crime family
I appreciate your advice!
Let the deaths begin!
THE GUYS:
We do not provide guidance beyond what is in the rules as it would be inherently unfair to other Death Watchers.
Since you're new, we will tell you that we deem several picks ***Not A Celebrity*** every year. Read the rules carefully.
Take a look at the website and see who we deemed ***Not A Celebrity*** in 2018. From there, make your picks. All the best.
! WORMS GOTTA EAT:
Fair enough! Thanks!
PLOT, PLOT, FIZZ, FIZZ:
I just got my yearly reminder from my brother from the same mother (supposedly) to
get on my case and have me put together my 2019 list. I went to the site to catch up and was saddened to see that
you are thinking of taking a step back and not running the OBE in 2020... That simply will not be okay, sirs.
You guys make the daily news somewhat bearable, giving your minions other thoughts outside of sadness and
despair when the grim reaper comes a callin' to celebrities and non celebrities alike. In today's climate, with today's news,
your "silly" game is needed more than ever! May I suggest running the pool the following year with NO PRIZE or a minimal or
token proze? Bragging rights only and you'll get a real chance to see who is in this for the fun and who is simply trying to
make a buck? It's an idea... I'm grasping at straws. Please don't go.
DEATHPOOL JEFF:
Hi, it's Deathpool Jeff. I will submit my list tomorrow but was wondering about the post on facebook saying that you would do
the deathwatch at least one more year. I hope you guys reconsider because where else can you have a years worth of fun for $20 or so!
But if you are considering shutting it down after 2019 I would be interested in keeping the site alive and keep the tradition going. I
have played in pools for several years and have always thought about possibly doing my own. I love the way you do the pool and
you are the only one I play anymore.
Is this a possibility? I would keep everything the same. I would need some training obviously but feel I have the Knowledge
to be able to do it justice.
THE GUYS:
We haven't made the final decision yet but, if we decide to pack it in, we'll be in touch!
DEATHPOOL JEFF:
I hope you keep it going!
RICHARD C.:
2018 death: Art Nun Sister Wendy Becket.
THE GUYS:
Right. She's right up there on the Celebrity ladder with Kirk Douglas and Betty White. Not sure how we missed it.