Penelope Goes to Traffic School

Savvy comedians draw upon the half-dozen or so "characters" that we all have in our lives (Note: It is very likely that you are a "character" in someone else's life.) To provoke us to laughter all they have to do is identify the annoying flaw, exaggerate it a bit, and "Voila!" something between a knowing chortle and a belly laugh results. A frequent target of the comic's barb is the self-absorbed character who is never content to share the spotlight with anyone else, and who always has a story to top the one that was just told by any poor slob who dared to garner a shred of attention. So the Dilbert Comic strip has "Topper", Brian Regan has "Me-Man" and SNL has "Penelope."

"Penelope Goes to Traffic School" (thanks Bargers!) is a clan Helsel favorite for two reasons. 1) It is a very funny sketch in its own right. And 2) If you ever feel that someone is acting "Me-Mannish" all you have to do is mimic Penelope's uber-unique vocal-pattern saying "I'm saltier than you" to give "Topper" the bum's rush.

To watch the video click on the title above. Enjoy it. Hold it up to yourself as a mirror. And pray for the Lord to put to death in you any remaining bits of "Penelope."

And, for the record: I'm saltier and best friends with all the Muppets.