Stare and puke - the origin

[Mark Padgett]

Some of you may have noticed two phrases used more frequently on this board. They are "stare at his pants" and "puke on his shoes." Since I am guilty of introducing them, here are their origins, just for reference.

"Stare at this pants" comes from a thing we used to do in High School back in the 60s. Someone started staring at another guy's pants just to unnerve him. It caught on as one of those dumb things HS guys do. I defy any guy to not feel self-conscious if another guy just stands in front of you and stares at your pants. Immediately, you think something is very wrong, probably that your pants are wet in front, or something. It's just an "upsmanship" thing.

"Puke on his shoes" actually comes from a very old Mad Magazine story on the old Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. They did a story about the show and showed Ed McMahon as an incredible drunk. In the story, every time he would introduce a new guest, he would then puke on his own shoes. I always thought it sounded funny and I just say it once in a while. I like humor based on outrageousness, and this is an example of that.

Now kiddies, if you're really good this holiday season, someday I'll tell you everything you always wanted to know about Dave but were afraid to ask.