# The best name ever **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 19, 2012, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171 "2012-09-19T14:41:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/81 "2012-09-27T20:29:08Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > I can recall being shocked – but not displeased – to learn that the “Marketplace” host I’d always known as “Guy Rizdoll” is actually [Kai Ryssdal](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai_Ryssdal). NO KIDDING! I must adjust my mental picture of a guy named “Guy” to a guy named “Kai.” Oh dear. Not sure I can do that. > [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Lynne Rossetto Kasper has a pretty decent name, but an absolute purr in her voice when she talks about interesting or beloved foods on The Splendid Table. Her name is nice, but her voice makes me want to chew nails and stomp on kittens (okay, not the second). To me, her voice is the auditory definition of the word “smarmy.” If anyone asks me what does \*smarmy \*mean, I tell them, “Listen to The Splendid Table.” Her voice brings together in a perfect blend all the qualities I don’t like in people when I don’t like them: it’s arrogant, patronizing, phony, superior, affected… full of fakery, stylization, snottiness, pretense… I could go on and on. I feel better. Thank you for providing the opportunity. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/82 "2012-09-27T20:50:41Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > I can recall being shocked – but not displeased – to learn that the “Marketplace” host I’d always known as “Guy Rizdoll” is actually [Kai Ryssdal](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai_Ryssdal). Oh my god, Steve Insky’s name is Steve Inskeep! :eek: _What else are these people hiding?_ ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/83 "2012-09-27T20:59:23Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Oh my god, Steve Insky’s name is Steve Inskeep! :eek: _What else are these people hiding?_ I actually have a tight connection with someone at the local NPR affiliate, but there are certain things I’m simply not at liberty to divulge. So few know the truth about the real name of Bob Edwards… ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/84 "2012-09-27T21:26:51Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > I actually have a tight connection with someone at the local NPR affiliate, but there are certain things I’m simply not at liberty to divulge. So few know the truth about the real name of Bob Edwards… Some things Man was not meant to know. ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/85 "2012-09-27T21:48:12Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > NPR correspondent, [**Ofeibea Quist-Arcton**](http://www.npr.org/people/4513318/ofeibea-quist-arcton), has THE best name ever. And possibly the best voice, too. When she signs off, the way she says her name and her city, _Dakar_, is heavenly > > You can hear her [here](http://www.npr.org/2012/09/10/160864049/for-many-s-africans-strikes-recall-apartheid-era). > > That is all. 1. That was an extremely well-done radio piece on the platinum miners in South Africa by this extraordinary talent. 2. Her name and her voice are well worth listening to her reading a phone book. 3. She looks like a very nice lady in her images. Attractive and approachable. She probably does great interviews. 4. Thanks for this. I didn’t know this lady’s work before. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/86 "2012-09-27T22:02:57Z")
> [@brossa](#): > > Throatwarbler Mangrove That is just wrong. You may not spell that name phonetically. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/87 "2012-09-27T22:07:20Z")
> [@brossa](#): > > Throatwarbler Mangrove Gargle with salt water twice a day and put Vicks VapoRub on your chest at night, and that will clear right up. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/88 "2012-09-27T22:18:56Z")
loved this whole thread and the OP’s link was so excellent - now there’s an accent. I want all of us to begin talking like that _now_. about The Splendid Table _Her voice brings together in a perfect blend all the qualities I don’t like in people when I don’t like them: it’s arrogant, patronizing, phony, superior, affected… full of fakery, stylization, snottiness, pretense…_ OMG this is so true! when I can get past it - like I’m traveling and no other radio station comes in - I enjoy the content of her show but that voice - yuck. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/89 "2012-09-27T22:24:21Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Her name is nice, but her voice makes me want to chew nails and stomp on kittens (okay, not the second). To me, her voice is the auditory definition of the word “smarmy.” If anyone asks me what does \*smarmy \*mean, I tell them, “Listen to The Splendid Table.” Her voice brings together in a perfect blend all the qualities I don’t like in people when I don’t like them: it’s arrogant, patronizing, phony, superior, affected… full of fakery, stylization, snottiness, pretense… I could go on and on. I feel better. Thank you for providing the opportunity. I believe you’ve confused her with Ina Garten of The Barefoot Contessa. 😛 I listened to one episode where she had a sore throat and the strong New York accent that she’d been suppressing came out with a vengeance. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2012, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/90 "2012-09-27T22:49:09Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > I believe you’ve confused her with Ina Garten of The Barefoot Contessa. 😛 I listened to one episode where she had a sore throat and the strong New York accent that she’d been suppressing came out with a vengeance. You are so right. And that nervous, little-girl giggle. ---
**Author:** ![TheBoltEater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@TheBoltEater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheBoltEater)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2012, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/91 "2012-09-28T01:54:52Z")
Unless I somehow missed it, I can’t believe this thread has gone this long without anyone mentioning the great [Name of the Year](http://nameoftheyear.blogspot.com/) website. This year’s winner was **Dr. Taco B.M. Monster** , but my personal favorite is 2009 champion (and likely 2013 NFL top 10 draft pick!) **Barkevious Mingo**. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2012, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/92 "2012-09-28T13:58:21Z")
BM Monster! :eek: Lourdes Garcia-Navarro is a pretty good name. I heard her yesterday and thought of this thread. Since we’ve drifted into voices, I’d like to purchase a neti pot for the health or medical reporter … I can’t think of her name. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard her in a while. Does anyone know who I’m talking about? She always sounds like she’s got a stuffed up nose. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2012, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/93 "2012-09-28T15:37:29Z")
Turning back to NPR for the moment, after paying close attention to all of the names on the drive in today, I realized I’d been remiss in failing to mention the lovely [Yuki Noguchi](http://www.npr.org/people/96022165/yuki-noguchi), whose name falls very much into the “try saying that five times fast” category. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2012, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/94 "2012-09-28T17:33:14Z")
> [@TheBoltEater](#): > > Unless I somehow missed it, I can’t believe this thread has gone this long without anyone mentioning the great [Name of the Year](http://nameoftheyear.blogspot.com/) website. This year’s winner was **Dr. Taco B.M. Monster** , but my personal favorite is 2009 champion (and likely 2013 NFL top 10 draft pick!) **Barkevious Mingo**. We were waiting for you! Thank goodness you finally checked in! ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2012, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/95 "2012-09-29T11:06:51Z")
> [@Ellen\_Cherry](#): > > BM Monster! :eek: > > Lourdes Garcia-Navarro is a pretty good name. I heard her yesterday and thought of this thread. > > Since we’ve drifted into voices, I’d like to purchase a neti pot for the health or medical reporter … I can’t think of her name. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard her in a while. Does anyone know who I’m talking about? She always sounds like she’s got a stuffed up nose. [Joanne Silberner](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/24/fashion/weddings/joanne-silberner-howard-frumkin-weddings.html?_r=0)! It came to me this morning. And I was right, she hasn’t been on the air in two years. (Link is to her wedding announcement in the _New York Times_. She married a guy with the CDC!) ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2012, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/96 "2012-09-30T05:41:32Z")
> [@Ellen\_Cherry](#): > > [Joanne Silberner](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/24/fashion/weddings/joanne-silberner-howard-frumkin-weddings.html?_r=0)! It came to me this morning. And I was right, she hasn’t been on the air in two years. (Link is to her wedding announcement in the _New York Times_. She married a guy with the CDC!) What?! I love Joanne Silberner’s voice! I haven’t heard it in a while (and now I know why - thank you, **Ellen Cherry** ). The reporter whose voice always mildly annoys me is Peter Overby. He’s got just a little bit of a lisp. Peter Sagal of “Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me” gets my vote for friendliest voice on radio. He just sounds like an incredibly nice man. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2012, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/97 "2012-10-01T17:14:07Z")
Peter Overby sounds so much like David Sedaris I thought that’s who it _was_ when I first heard him! ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2012, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/98 "2012-10-01T17:36:34Z")
Hmm. Have they ever been seen together? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2013, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/99 "2013-05-08T19:17:14Z")
[In \*The Atlantic \*online: “Why Do NPR Reporters Have Such Great Names?”](http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/05/why-do-npr-reporters-have-such-great-names/275493/) Do you suppose they got the idea from us? (I think there was another SDMB thread on NPR names, but I didn’t search for it.) ETA. They DID get the idea from here. The article links to this thread. Cool. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2013, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171/100 "2013-05-08T19:26:05Z")
I think [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=671771) is the other thread you’re thinking of; Best Names in Public Radio. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-name-ever/635171.md?page=6)