custom phrase with variable acting funky...

[phentalmyst]

i want to make a variation of the all_ times_ are_ gmt_ x_ time_ now_ is_ y variable, one that doesnt list the "all times are" part and just displays the time. when i copy the original phrase to a new one just to test and then call to it from BELOW the forum table it works just fine. however, when i put the phrase ABOVE the table, i get this:

All times are GMT%1$s. The time now is %2$s.

what am i doing wrong? do i need some certain code in the top portion of the page?

thanks!