While I did happen to enjoy a few random episodes of Monty Python’s Flying Circus on PBS when it aired, I couldn’t understand half of it. The troupe’s thick British accents were not half as challenging to interpret as their somewhat-foreign, albeit clearly offbeat, humor humour.

It wasn’t until my early days at college (before I discovered the Internet) when I’d be introduced to Monty Python’s range of movies and music through the Final Rip-off set of CDs. On these discs, you could listen to some of their more popular show skits – reproduced and somewhat sanitized. Plus, there were notable scenes from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” sewn throughout the selection. That’s how I learned of the airspeed velocity of unladen swallows (and then some). To many, this is the only thing Monty Python ever did.

After picking up “Monty Python Sings” through one of those mail order CD clubs, I rented “Meaning of Life” and watched it with my brothers at home. This particular film was a bit more like their classic show, but a non-sequitur classic unto itself. I’m just glad my parents didn’t catch us watching the “Every Sperm is Sacred” segment at the time. “Christmas in Heaven” may have redeemed us, though.

Out of all the Monty Python movies produced, I’d have to say that “Life of Brian” was the most entertaining for me. I’m still a fan of Grail’s nonsensical storytelling, but there’s something to be said about well-crafted religious satire. If you couldn’t tell the difference between the Judean People’s Front and the People’s Front of Judea, then… you’re in on the joke.

When I happened upon the series of Monty Python LEGO MOCs at Brickcon 2011, I couldn’t help but share. Credit goes to PythonScape for these:

Do you remember each of those scenes? If not, perhaps it’s time to move along to something completely different.

Nobody Expects the LEGO Inquisition

Have you had to teach your parents how to use a computer? How many hours (or weeks!?) did you spend just getting the basics down with them? I feel for you – honestly. I’ve been there, done that and hope to never repeat the experience again.

Go ahead – tell us your best horror story here in the comments. What’s the most frustrating, funny or outrageous thing that happened when trying to teach an old dog some new tricks?

Teach parents tech?

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Zombies can be pesky if you don’t handle them properly. It’s almost impossible to get rid of them once they infiltrate. The key is to never let them in your home to begin with. How can you protect yourself from their penetration into your life?

First of all, you really have to board up those doors and windows. Forget going outside, or letting anyone visit. You never know when the next knock will be one of them, as my brother Adam (excuse me – Alex) found out. Even a peephole in the door will not keep you safe. Things are not always as they appear!

Next, you’re going to want to get rid of all things that attract zombies. We’ve established they enjoy wearing your clothes, sleeping on your couch, and even eating your food. Throw out the furniture and the food. And of course, since you won’t be going anywhere, you won’t be needing those clothes.

You might want to wear a bunch of garlic around your neck. Wait, is that for zombies – or vampires? It doesn’t matter, I suppose. Garlic stinks badly enough to keep anything away from you.

What would you do if you knew a zombie wanted to come and spend time at your house? Would you let them in without question? How would you keep them out if they were an uninvited guest? Let’s hear your thoughts!

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Zombie Movie

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Here’s your chance to do something with me! I recorded this while sitting in front of a green screen. “Chroma Keying” is a technique for mixing two images or frames together, in which a color from one image is removed, revealing another image behind it. It is commonly used for weather forecasts on the news. The weatherperson looks like they are standing in front of a large map. In the studio, it’s actually just a large blue or green background. The different weather maps are added to the screen using software.

You might already have the software installed (and yes, the new version of iMovie does an amazing job with chroma key / green screen shots).

So, here’s your chance! Decide what it is I was trying to say! Have fun, be creative, and make sure you show us what you come up with. Leave a comment here with the link to your creation, or upload it to your Geeks account.

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Community Challenge: Green Screen Me!

For some reason or another, choosy users choose bLaugh. At least, that’s what the readers and staff of BusinessWeek Online report. We just received a “Best of the Web” award in the Humor category. I’d still like to see bLaugh pushed out and shared on more Web sites, portals, and print media. Who else won?

• The Onion
• The Joy of Tech
• Rocketboom
• gapingvoid
• Go Fug Yourself* (tied)
• Ze Frank* (tied)

I suppose this means they want us to do a parody of their brand. “BusinessWeak” sounds kinda funny, especially if we do a mock cover? Until then, I guess today’s bLaugh will have to do…

bLaugh is a Reader’s Choice

Yes, the music video has officially been placed on YouTube. I’d say that it’s Yankovic’s geekiest one yet (far better than “It’s All About The Pentiums”). Are you white and nerdy? Watch this:

White and Nerdy

Dude. I don’t know how this bit of news slipped past my radar:

The first single from “Straight Outta Lynwood” will World Premiere on Al’s MySpace page on Monday, August 21 at 6 PM Pacific time (9 PM Eastern)! And because Al’s feeling so darn generous, he’s going to make THIS song a free download TOO!

And…

Al’s video for “Don’t Download This Song� will be shown on Yahoo! Music Video Premieres this Wednesday, August 23! For those not keeping up with all the spoilers, this video is expected to be animated by Bill Plympton, and the music is expected to be in the style of the great ’80s charity song, “We Are The World.�

And…

The New Album – In Stores September 26. PRE-ORDER NOW! Featuring parodies of Chamillionaire, Green Day, Usher, R. Kelly and Taylor Hicks! DualDisc includes PCM Stereo, 5.1 Surround and instrumental mixes of the entire album (with on-screen lyrics option), plus a 9-minute behind-the-scenes documentary and 6 BRAND NEW MUSIC VIDEOS!

Yes! Wicked! Awesome! Sweet!

Weird Al: Straight Outta Lynwood