John Hodgman

John Hodgman is funny in the way that makes you feel smart and dumb at the same time. He's witty, and incisive, and yet you get the sense he's holding back something at all times. Truly a talent, and I'd like to pick up his book which I've read excerpts from, and seems hysterical. He recently did an interview with Radar magazine, and it's well worth reading, despite there being a bit of "inside baseball" in it. I hadn't known his background - and at this point, I'm wondering just how many people work(ed) on This American Life? (Which reminds me, was that really Sarah Vowell in Six Degrees? I'm 99% sure about it, but her imdb.com profile says nothing. Hm.)

ANYHOW, back on point. The interview is quite good, and this quote stood out to me:

What is unique about our life today is that The Daily Show is breaking a taboo simply by making plain, truthful, obvious observations about our existing government, its bankruptcy of competence and vision when faced with the basic jobs with which it is tasked.

OK, John Hodgman RULES.