Here's a spot of news, which I wouldn't normally blog, but...

As I've lately been impressing upon young Master Wrymouth, Jr. (13 years) large portions of Monty Python and The Holy Grail*, it bears mentioning only because the tone reminds me of the "Bring Out Your Dead" scene:

Cuban leader Fidel Castro, in his first live comments since falling ill more than six months ago, declared on Tuesday that he feels "more energetic, stronger" and said his country is running smoothly without him at the helm. Calling in to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's radio talk show, Castro said, "I feel good and I'm happy."

Compare / contrast:

CART MASTER:

Bring out your dead! (and etc.) ...

CUSTOMER:

Here's one.

CART MASTER:

Ninepence.

DEAD PERSON:

I'm not dead!

CART MASTER:

What?

CUSTOMER:

Nothing. Here's your ninepence.

DEAD PERSON:

I'm not dead!

CART MASTER:

'Ere. He says he's not dead!

CUSTOMER:

Yes, he is.

DEAD PERSON:

I'm not!

CART MASTER:

He isn't?

CUSTOMER:

Well, he will be soon. He's very ill.

DEAD PERSON:

I'm getting better!

CUSTOMER:

No, you're not. You'll be stone dead in a moment.

CART MASTER:

Oh, I can't take him like that. It's against regulations.

DEAD PERSON:

I don't want to go on the cart!

CUSTOMER:

Oh, don't be such a baby.

CART MASTER:

I can't take him.

DEAD PERSON:

I feel fine!

CUSTOMER:

Well, do us a favour.

CART MASTER:

I can't.

CUSTOMER:

Well, can you hang around a couple of minutes? He won't be long.

CART MASTER:

No, I've got to go to the Robinsons'. They've lost nine today.

CUSTOMER:

Well, when's your next round?

CART MASTER:

Thursday.

DEAD PERSON:

I think I'll go for a walk.

CUSTOMER:

You're not fooling anyone, you know. Look. Isn't there something you can do?

DEAD PERSON: [singing]

I feel happy. I feel happy.

[Cart Master strikes him on the head with a club]

CUSTOMER:

Ah, thanks very much.

CART MASTER:

Not at all. See you on Thursday.

—

* that is, everything but the Tale of Sir Galahad, which will have to wait until later.