I was exposed to the comedy of Mel Brooks at an early age; in hindsight probably too early. I have no doubt my own sense of humor was shaped by his works. For the uninitiated, this is the tollbooth scene from Blazing Saddles (1974).

I tell you that story so I can actually tell you this story.

Those of us who lived in Illinois during the Blagojevich years remember these signs:

I vividly remember the first time I drove the tollway after the installation of these signs. The reason I remember so vividly: the immediate thought in my head was the voice of Slim Pickens: “Now what’ll that Asshole think of next!?”

Given Blago’s tenure as Illinois Governor, it always seemed appropriate. Even thought the signs are long gone, I still giggle to myself going down the tollway.