Off The Deep End #1

An Interview: Skippy Blechinger
An Original Sioux Falls Icon

Tempest readers need no introduction to Bob "Skippy" Blechinger, so he doesn't get one.

Seriously, though, Skippy is probably the most "alternative" person here in Sioux Falls, from his solo act, the "Skippydelic Experience", to his numerous runs for local political office, and back to his days as the legendary "Bob Berino" at KAUR. With that in mind, it was obvious who'd be perfect to kick off this new column.

Age: Ageless

Occupation: Cult Hero (Musician/Sound Tech/NetGod)

Brush With Fame: I don't use brushes, I use paint sprayers; makes things much more interesting...

What do you like to eat in the morning? Isn't that kinda personal?

How many times have you run for office? 6 times. Then again, look who wound up getting elected instead...

Favorite Comic Book: Superman, Groo the Wanderer, Radioactive Man

Worst movie/best ever: Keep in mind that bad movies are an art form unto themselves, and are, therefore, definably great; the apotheosis of the form undoubtedly has to be "Plan 9 From Outer Space".

The absolute best movie of all time is one that I'm working on right now, called "Citizen Kane Lands On The Waterfront In Casablanca", especially the climactic scene where he says, "Play it again, Rosebud; I coulda been a contendah!"

Really.

Best Thing About Sioux Falls: Modesty prevents me...

Most Memorable "Magic Bus" Performance: Probably the one that I did at one of the JonoFests, where the stage that I was performing on wasn't too stable; jumping back and forth between two mikes took on a whole new dimension...

Favorite judge: None of the above.

I've got a great idea for judicial reform that'll cost next to nothing to implement, and guaranteed effective! Every time a judge is appointed to the bench, just take and whack him upside the head with a 2x4, then tell him, "Every time you screw up, you get it again"!

Of course, I'd gladly volunteer to be the "Wielder Of The Clue-By-Four"...

Who's Better: Pooh or Tigger? Tigger, most definitely! Pooh needs to start taking steroids or something to help him develop an attitude!

Are you a Ford or Dodge man? With my luck, probably an Edsel...

Favorite Font: The Font of True Wisdom

Why do you think "Friends" is so cute? Well...

Ideal Episode: Get rid of the guys (send them off to look for Marcel or something), then have me do a duet with Phoebe, and a threesome with Rachel and Monica.

Hey, I liked it...

Clasp or just lick envelopes: I just use e-mail and don't worry about it.

Mopeds: Good or Bad? Hey, I love the SkippyScooter! It's good, cheap transportation, and it maintains the "Mid-60's Mod" image.

In January? What better way to be cool?

How are you? I am fine.

Really? Well, as long as I'm not a postal worker...

Best hairstylist in town: Hmmmm... Not sure, really; care and feeding of the legendary SkippyStyle is a difficult and demanding art... You know, I should go out with a hairstylist so I can get some trim anytime I need it.

Best Pizza: Haven't contracted for a "celebrity endorsement" yet.

Worst thing about Pressler/Johnson race, so far? Pressler.

Should the Big Sioux River be used for recreational purposes? Not sure, but the weeds around it sure as hell should!

Ever been to New York? Not yet; people tell me I should be on Letterman, though, so maybe someday...

How did you get the name "Skippy"? Back in the summer of 1980, a girlfriend and I were, shall we say, experimenting with "erotic aperitifs" (i.e., whipped cream), and we just happened to try peanut butter, for some odd reason; legend has it that the brand used was Skippy (this doesn't necessarily constitute an endorsement, though).

I made the mistake of telling (ex-KELO DJ) Wally Wingert about it; he had a habit of giving people nicknames, so it was inevitable that I'd wind up as "Skippy".

The (Deep) End...?

Send e-mail to Skippy

Article and logo copyright 1996 by Tempest Magazine. Used by permission.

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