The attempt on Democratic Congresswoman Gabby Giffords life has been the final straw for Python Michael Palin who told reporters that he is changing his name to distance himself from Sarah Palin.
"I'm changing me name to Gary", he said.
"I've always liked the name Evelyn but the missus isn't too crazy about it. Vivian's rather pretty too and unfortunately we overplayed Brian.
"After much soul-searching I've settled on Gary...it's rather nice don't you think? Gary Palin ... mmm, yup, got a nice ring to it".
Michael, er...Gary says he's a lover not a fighter and that "whole cross-hairs business" had him quite worried.
"I didn't want strangers going up to me mum and saying I say are you that cross-hairs Michael Palin's mum? Now she can honestly say, Noooo I'm not. I'm Gary Palin's mum".
