A couple of weeks ago - 6:30 AM phone call
This interaction actually happened and reminded me of this New Yorker cartoon about New York and “everything else”.
Caller: Dr. Kaplan, this is Mr. So and So from the [name of a government agency]. I am calling to inquire about your interest in reviewing grant submissions. I hope you are not driving.
Me: No. I was sleeping.
Caller: Good. I hope I am not disturbing you but I need to know if you can come to [a city in the US] in January when we convene the review panel.
Me: What dates In January?
Caller: We do not know yet but I need to know right now if you can come.
Me: I suppose it depends a little bit on what I will be reviewing, if I have anything to offer and if I don't have a prior conflict.
Caller: OK. I will just need to collect some basic information such as your social security number, home address and place of employment.
Me: Mayo Clinic.
Caller: Where is Mayo Clinic?
Me: Rochester, Minnesota.
Caller: Where is Minnesota?
At this point I start asking some questions about who this individual is, his civilian pay grade, where his office is located, how he knew where to contact me and check the caller ID for area code.
Me: Have you seen 'Taking Chance'?
Caller: No.
Me: 'Fargo'?
Caller: No.
Me: 'Grumpy Old Men'?
Caller: No. What time zone are you in?
Me: Central.
Caller: Oh, Minnesota is in the middle.
