Mike Judge was born 10-17-1962, which makes him 40 years old today, and due to go middle aged crazy any time. Note that this birthday means he was born in the middle of the Cuban missle crisis. That'd mess you up. Maybe that's why he's a Butthead.

Of course, many people know him primarily for Beavis and Butthead. They made good amusement. They also caused great wringing of hands from busybodies who were sure they were about to bring on the end of civilization. That's always fun.

He has made a far greater and more emotionally resonant artistic achievement, however, with King of the Hill. It doesn't have the shock value of B&B, but it's got a lot of heart. In it's own backwards way, it conveys some of the most solid conservative values on television- not what you'd expect from the great Cornholio.

Hank Hill is the most sensible, responsible, loyal and all around admirable character on television. He's got some personal issues, what with his rabbit-ass crazy dad and the narrow urethra and all. Still he shows better judgment, and more forbearance than any ten normal guys- yet knows when he has to fight back. He bears the white man's burden with exceptional grace.

The rich palette of characters and motivations make this a sleeper. It doesn't get the hype, but artistically this show will just about go head to head with even the mighty Simpsons.