I watch Penn and Teller's obscenely titled program on TV when I can. Sometimes I agree with them regarding the topics that they analyze, as when they take on PETA (idiots), the Endangered Species Act (dangerous and destructive), Cryptozoology (no such thing), gun control (it doesn't work), the death penalty (it's a bad idea) and ghost hunters (nonsense). Other times I disagree with them... like when they attack family values, mock the boy scouts, scorn religion... and when they champion prostitution.

It's not a family show. Between the subject matter, Penn's consistently vulgar language, and the occasionally gratuitous nudity, the show almost always crosses the line into bad taste.

The thing is, the show's also almost always smart, challenging, and thoughtful. Oh, from my point of view the show is frequently wrong... but it's never dumb.

Penn and Teller seem to approach the topics they take on from a coldly analytical, atheistic, libertarian point-of-view. They're hardly ever predictable, and I'm always interested in what they'll have to say. Plus, whenever I watch the program, I learn something. And I always laugh my head off, even when I'm offended. I don't always agree with Penn and Teller, but I'm always interested in what they have to say.

Well, I'm always interested in what Penn has to say. If you watch their program, or if you're familiar with their magic act, you know that Penn does all the talking and Teller never speaks. On their TV program they continue that tradition, with Penn ranting and raving and swearing and basically coming off like a funny, smart, profane lunatic. Teller, as he's always done, remains silent.

Teller is quiet. Teller is an unknown. He's an enigma. So I was interested to see what I could learn about him from the net. Turns out, there's plenty of information out there. The only time Teller remains quiet, it seems, is during the act. Otherwise, he's happy to talk to anyone about anything.

Interesting Teller facts:

• His real name is Raymond Joseph Teller.


• Before hitting the bigtime as half of Penn and Teller, Ray Teller was a latin teacher.


• He's a gifted painter and a published writer; he's written a book about his dad.


• Teller isn't really that short. He's 5'9". He seems short because Penn is 6'6".


• He gives frequent interviews on NPR radio, and actually has a very dulcet, elegant speaking voice. Want proof? Click here.