Mark Potts’ Monty Python reference reminded me of the first time I heard the dead parrot sketch. I was in the window seat on a transcontinental flight from Nigeria to the UK and I was listening to the comedy channel on the in-flight audio. I was thoroughly sucked in to the sketch and was laughing out loud for about 10 minutes before I realized where I was.

If you haven’t heard it, I recommend checking it out. An extract for your enjoyment:

Mr. Praline (John Cleese): Um…now look…now look, mate, I’ve definitely ‘ad enough of this. That parrot is definitely deceased, and when I purchased it not ‘alf an hour ago, you assured me that its total lack of movement was due to it bein’ tired and shagged out following a prolonged squawk.

Owner (Michael Palin): Well, he’s…he’s, ah…probably pining for the fjords.

Mr. Praline: PININ’ for the FJORDS?!?!?!? What kind of talk is that?, look, why did he fall flat on his back the moment I got ‘im home?

Owner: The Norwegian Blue prefers keepin’ on it’s back! Remarkable bird, id’nit, squire? Lovely plumage!

Mr. Praline: Look, I took the liberty of examining that parrot when I got it home, and I discovered the only reason that it had been sitting on its perch in the first place was that it had been NAILED there.