Although Strangler has known me for years, he does not know of my aversion to Python. HOW'D WE GET ANOTHER ONE? DAMNIT.

It's a plot of Python fans world wide to assimulate you. Resistance is futile!

Somehow, I get the feeling you don't care for Monty Python.

Well, even if I think Monty Python the funniest thing since hernia surgery you would be hard-pressed to argue that any of its former members are currently doing anything to successfully promote humor.

John Cleese, with his willingness to do anything for a paycheck is a negative force in comedy these days (when the funniest thing you've done in a decade is a TNT commercial where you hit a man in the balls with a ball you're not doing well).

Terry Gilliam is doing good things still but just not funny good things.

Eric Idle's last consistent work in comedy was as a recurring character on Suddenly Susan. When you're up against the comedic stylings of Brooke Shields and Judd Nelson it is safe to say you're not swinging for the fences.

Terry Jones hasn't had a role where the character is big enough to get a name since 2000 and that was in a Danish animated film.

Is that all of them? My comment was just a throwaway line, but now that I investigate it further, I think I'm going to have to stand by it. Graham Chapman is currently the funniest of the former Monty Python players.

I love me a good thread derail. ;)

Yeah- way to derail a thread, Alex.

Word is "Spamalot" was good for a laugh. You forgot Michael Palin.

Gee, I dunno. A search of the troupe's doings sort of belies Alex's statement:

Eric Idle

Michael Palin

Terry Gilliam

John Cleese

Terry Jones

I know a few actors who would kill to have their resumes.

Yes, but Spamalot is just regurgitated Monty Python and we've already established around these parts that Monty Python is not funny (if I say it often enough it will become accepted truth).

I'll take your word for it that somebody named Michael Palin was once a Python. But his current career seems to be making travel shows and documentaries. It is possible that these are extremely funny as indicated by the fact that the funniest (and almost only funny) book by Douglas Adams was Last Chance to See which is essentially a travel book.

So, you've beaten me. I'll add an asterisk.

Graham Chapman: Currently the funniest formor Monty Python player*.




*Pending viewing of Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure.

wendybeth, I want to be very clear. I make no claim that they are starving and lacking in means of passing the time. Simply that they aren't currently doing anything very funny.

And to keep this on topic, I'm pretty sure I heard a rumor that Eric Idle beat his children to death when one of them saw Dad cut himself on a broken glass and said "it's just a flesh wound." Query: was this violence caused by his horrible upbringing or was it a silent call for a more public discussion of the ravaging affects of alcoholism on today's youth?