People Think I'm Johnny Carson
the commune's Rok Finger keeps it real on the state of the nation's wet bars 

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001
The most hilarious thing happened the other day, faithful readers.

As is per usual, I was on the phone to odor the special deodorant I use from Quebec. Anyone familiar with me knows I tire of the French fairly quick, and the only thing that irritates me worse is the French-Canadians. A people so wishy-washy about their country of origin shouldn’t be allowed independence; I’ve said it and I stand by it. But the story centers more appropriately around my using a fake voice for this order. Sometimes I enjoy gagging on the French, using a fake voice on a lark and so on.

Well, do you know what this French guy said when I called in my fake voice?

“Johnny Carson! We’re happy to service you!”

Keep in mind I never use fake names; that’s just plain unfair. But this French-Canadian fellow assumed I was Johnny Carson JUST BY THE SOUND OF MY VOICE. I can’t tell you what a heady accomplishment this was. Already my mind was racing on how to take advantage of this. But I had to be sure it wasn’t a joke being played on yours truly.

To test, I approached my wife of thirty years, Arvelyn, from behind while she was gardening, cleared my throat, and announced, in my Carson-sounding voice, “I’m looking for Ed McMahon."

Well, by gum, Arvelyn spun around with a furor, calling out, “Mr. Carson!” She was a little disappointed to see only her loyal non-Johnny Carson husband there, but once I explained this unique gift I had and the possibilities now open to us, her eyes lit up with as much opportunity as mine.

My first thought was to call NBC and tell them I wanted my old job back—surely they’d bounce the thick-chinned yokel running the show now if JOHNNY CARSON said over the phone he wanted  his show back! But my next thought was that more than likely NBC had caller I.D. now and would know this was Rok Finger playing a shenanigan. I don't know if there are legal repercussions for getting Jay Leno fired, but I decided to not find out.

Unfortunately, every opportunity to garner a position as a celebrity lookalike fell through since it’s genuinely required you look AND sound like the celebrity you favor. And while Johnny Carson and I may sound like twin brothers joined at the larynx, he is distinguished and dapper in a midwestern sort of way, while I am hideous and troll-like.

So currently we are waiting for a callback from a producer we have called about a Johnny Carson radio show. Carson himself is reportedly a big fan of television, so we stake the likelihood is that he will not be listening to the radio much. Therefore I will be free to run my radio show without fear of repercussions. I have already called Joan Embry and Don Rickles and both are excited to be doing “The Carson Radio Show.” I’ll keep you informed of possible air dates, though I must impress upon you commune readers to NOT TELL Don Rickles or Joan Embry I’m not Johnny Carson. During the show itself I’ll release a small belch and laugh, and that will be our little secret. Just between yourselves and I.