Funny People

I think that the English have the most delightful sense of humor. It’s dry, irreverent, subtle, often rude but in a sophisticated sort of way, and—most importantly for me—intelligent. An explanation for why I love English humor could be that I grew up reading PG Wodehouse.

On arriving in the US, I got introduced to English sitcoms. This was decades before the internet. Therefore, most of the visual entertainment at home was broadcast TV. We’d gather around the TV in the living room every evening to watch our favorite shows. Public TV carried a lot of BBC programming. I loved a whole bunch of them.

• • • Are You Being Served?
    • Keeping Up Appearances
    • Blackadder
    • Fawlty Towers
    • Monty Python’s Flying Circus
    • Waiting for God
    • Yes, Minister
    • Yes, Prime Minister
    • Bean
    • ‘Allo ‘Allo
    • As Time Goes By
    • Bless Me Father
    •  A Bit of Fry & Laurie
    • The Two Ronnies

That’s a lot of time watching TV. Remember, there was no social media. And the Usenet (my first love) was just text based. Thanks to the Usenet, I learned how to write. So when the internet rolled around, I was ready for it.

Anyway, I love British humor. Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese and the Monty Python gang, Stephen Fry, and the whole lot were hilarious. Love them all. Here’s David Mitchell.

I envy witty people who have the gift of the gab. David Mitchell certainly qualifies. Here’s a bit more of him. Remember this is not rehearsed. He is both funny and logical.

“. . . I’ve a friend who’s quite short. He likes to wear vertical stripes because it makes him look taller.”

David: “Only when he’s not standing next to anyone.  . . . “

But let me now spoil it for you. His logic is wicked, as you’ll see. Go take a listen.

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Time for a song. Philip Glass. Etude No 12. Maki Namekawa.

Have a wonderful day.