The Wizard of Ass Has Spoken!

Hal Robins - erudite comic of the absurd, underground cartoonist of note,co-host of the world's strangest radio program, early member of the Church of the SubGenius - has a new hit with the "Ask Dr. Hal Show." But he really could use a paying gig. Really

A A A Comments By Lessley Anderson Wednesday, Jul 30 2003

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A few hours before the show, Robins doesn't seem too concerned. When asked over the phone if he is boning up for his answers, he replies from his apartment, "Should I be? I don't even know what tonight's theme is." Nor does he have any idea what exactly the two men are coming to see him for, what he should be pitching them on.

"I don't know what they want," he says with a note of exasperation in his voice. "All I know is they're flying into Oakland, and Chicken has offered them a room in his loft. I think they might be used to better surroundings, however; they're from Los Angeles, they could be allergic to [Chicken's dog] Dammit."

Anthony Pidgeon

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The theme of the evening's show is, appropriately enough, "Dreams." The guys from Hollywood arrive as planned; they are dressed in chic suits, sit at a table near the stage, and laugh appreciatively at all Robins' jokes. One is Ken Crosby, a producer on Real Time With Bill Maher. The other is Paul Tompkins, who hosts a live variety show at the Hollywood nightclub Largo.

"We came down because I wanted to see if what Hal does could possibly work on my show," reveals Tompkins, while waiting to use the facilities. "I think it could, though maybe in a simplified form."

He adds with a rueful smile, "It doesn't pay anything though."