Monty Python Monday.

Just in case you guys think I forgot - here's today's Monty Python Monday. In what is probably the best-known song in Monty Python's oeuvre, here is Eric Idle doing his damnedest to make Brian (Graham Chapman) feel a bit better after being abandoned on the cross by family and followers alike. What can one say? "Life's a piece of shit, when you look at it ..."

Good call, Eric - you always were the most musically inclined of the Python troupe!

Monty Python Monday.

Wenn ist das Nunstruck git und Slotermeyer? Ja! Beiherhund das Oder die Flipperwaldt gersput! Well, that's the "German" translation of "The Funniest Joke In The World," written by Ernest Scribbler, "manufacturer of jokes." As a consequence, he died - laughing. This is just freaking brilliant! Apparently, this joke is 60,000 times funnier than Britain's great pre-war joke!

Monty Python Monday.

From Monty Python's "Monty Python's Previous Record," here is the "Argument Sketch." I love how Michael Palin says, "This isn't an argument, this is a contradiction!"

Monty Python Monday (Part II).

From their 1979 film Monty Python and the Life of Brian, here is the "Stoning" bit featuring John Cleese. It's amazing how strongly this movie holds up, what with the religion-stirring-shit-up nonsense that's been going on for as long as I can remember. A bit like an especially poignant article from The Onion that can be as cutting as it is funny, Life of Brian was able to hold in its hands the irony that is "religion" and still be able to tear it to pieces and analyze its cold black heart at the same time. The actions of the faithful are only as holy as the voice that tells them what to do.

Monty Python Monday.

From Episode Thirty-three "Salad Days", here is John Cleese and Michael Palin performing the most brilliant (in my opinion, of course) sketch of their career, "Cheese Shop". The tension builds like crazy, and you might learn something about cheese. You never know. But you may never look at (or listen to) a bouzouki the same way again, seriously.

Monty Python Monday (Part II)

And here, from Monty Python's first full-length film And Now For Something Completely Different, here is the delightful little sketch entitled, "How Not To Be Seen."

Monty Python Monday.

From Season One Episode Four "Owl Stretching Time," here's John Cleese teaching "Self-defence Against Fresh Fruit." It's also notable in that this sketch features the first appearance of Monty Python's "16 Ton" weight, which was brought out from time to time to abruptly end sketches.

Enjoy, and happy Monday!

Monty Python Monday.

From Season One, Episode Three "How To Recognise Different Types of Trees From Quite A Long Way Away," here's "Bicycle Repair Man."

Happy Monday!