interview with flight of the conchords wanna-be groupie: kristen schaal

You know her, love her, and laugh at her on HBO's Flight of the Conchords, but do any of us really know the show's Mel, or in real life, Kristen Schaal? Heeb magazine (which is itself a great magazine) has a great article on the comedian/actor. It gives a lot of evidence of how talented she is, and shows her connection to the late Andy Kaufman's family. It’s definitely a good read.

p.s. for ya, the Flight of the Conchords self-titled debut cd comes out April 22. Soon after that they start a small U.S. tour. I normally don’t dig the novelty music albums, but I can’t help but love their songs. Those foreigners are so clever.

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Dali on "What's My Line"

While I can often be found laughing to a finger being bitten by Charlie, or a monkey smelling his finger, there is so much more to see on youtube. In a wonderful document showing more than just his work, Salvador Dali can be seen as a playful, albeit surreal (too clichéd?), character he was. He appeared on the game show “What’s My Line” on January 27, 1957 and did a great job confusing the panel and entertaining everyone else.

I suppose I’m getting into a mid century phase, but so much of what was being produced looked great. Even the effects of the superimposed text of “Artist” and “Salvador Dali”, even if out of necessity, create a composition that accomplishes everything it sets out to, and nothing more. Watch it. Take notes. Reflect. Repeat.

The key moment that sums up the humor of the clip is at 3:44 when the host, John Daly, shakes his head “no” while Dali nods “yes” as if there is no way he isn’t an athlete.

Other great quotes:
"I would have to agree that we must consider that our guest is a writer."

"Yes, I think it is properly yes and no."

"Is there something quite unusual about our guest?"

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