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Cell Phone Santa

From: Scott Gurian
Length: 04:23

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An act of Christmas charity goes horribly awry Read the full description.

Santacellphone_small Last Christmas, my father decided to send presents to needy children living in the Bronx, but he made the mistake of putting his cell number on the Fedex box. At first, he started getting voicemail messages politely thanking him for the gifts, but the calls became more angry and demanding as time went on.

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Piece Description

Last Christmas, my father decided to send presents to needy children living in the Bronx, but he made the mistake of putting his cell number on the Fedex box. At first, he started getting voicemail messages politely thanking him for the gifts, but the calls became more angry and demanding as time went on.

Broadcast History

Produced for B-Side Radio (http://www.bsideradio.org). Will air on NPR's Day to Day 12/21/07.

Timing and Cues

Suggested host lede: "For many people, the holidays are a time for reflecting on how much they have and remembering the less fortunate people in their midst. The father of reporter Scott Gurian likes to think of himself as a charitable person, but last Christmas he got a bit more than he bargained for. Scott has this story."

Suggested back-announce: "Scott Gurian is the News Director at public radio station KGOU in Norman, Oklahoma. He spoke with his father, Randy Gurian."

Also, it would be perfect to play "Father Christmas" by The Kinks coming out of this piece!

Musical Works

Title Artist Album Label Year Length
Jingle Bells of the Ages The Three Weissmen Blame It on Christmas Vol. I. Schoolkids' Records 1995 00:33
Schlepp the Halls with Loaves of Hallah The Three Weissmen Blame It on Christmas Vol. I. Schoolkids' Records 1995 01:39