Weirdness

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

a little party music for this evening, (not Pink Floyd)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mFUYm5QFUE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0YUA3yTUss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl73rGXh3zA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsVXbV7w2hU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkgQHcdlZU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erJc4dzZ3IA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo2-PlwYTZ8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePDq7tCz6XQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1egoePFZ300

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YACK-n02AqI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESNCWrks6vQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9xOLpwI0I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aixFBNg3NHk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZMmV6xXYFw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiXh2gnasw0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7FdJajqxmU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc26EFI1_nw

Mondo New Year's Eve

Tonight I'll be going over to my brother's for a little get-together with some old friends, (some of you are probably reading this). It'll be pretty low-key, which is fine by me. I confess that this night is not one of my faves. There are far too many amateur drunks driving around out there, and far too many cops hassling the rest of us in their efforts to catch the former. Watching the earthly remains of Dick Clark ring in the New Year is positively macabre; and the whole event has always seemed a little odd to me anyway, (why isn't it marked at the Winter solstice?)
And then there are the psychological scars.... In my youth, (oh so long ago), I managed to attend some of the worst, most pathetic and mind-numbingly boring New Year's Eve parties - EVER. I remember one such celebratory with great clarity. It is like a scab on my brain...

It was in my college days. And I had an acquaintance who lived off in what were then the backwoods of Southern PG County, (even now the place has a certain redneck grimness to it, but in those days it was positively desolate and savage). He invited me to his New Year's party. Oh, the fun we'd have! I'd get to meet his many friends! There's be laughter, music, magic and mirth! To my everlasting regret, I accepted.
I arrived at his folks' place (a quite nice house, actually), around nine-ish with a bottle of wine and high hopes. My first mistake was in not noticing that there were no cars parked nearby...
I rang the doorbell, and my "friend" welcomed me in - alone. Just me, him, and his brother; oh, and my bottle of wine. I immediately asked where everyone else was - he hemmed and hawed, and finally started calling up folks to invite them. Now, frankly, you're going to get pretty slim pickings on New Year's Eve is you don't start inviting people to your party until about 9:30, and that indeed held true for this evening. One or two other guys showed up. I want to stress that they were guys - there were no women within a hundred miles of this place. There were only men at this "party". Heaven forbid that any females show to repulse the gray monotony that was settling in. The host turned on his little stereo. Music - sure, why not? It turned out that he only owned one album - Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. And when it ended, he played it again, and again, and again, all through the night. It hammered into my brain, a relentless forced march of boredom, and a reminder of one of my worst evenings out. I've never been able to listen to it since.
At any rate, I offered up my bottle to be opened, only to be told that there were no corkscrews in the house. Now frankly, I consider the corkscrew just shy of the knife and the garrote as essential tools of civilisation. So, the hosts' brother ends up using a steak knife to try and pry the cork from the bottle. Sigh.
You might now be wondering why I just didn't leave. I wonder that too. I guess it was just a misplaced sense of politeness, or perhaps a masochistic twinge at the back of my mind, to stick around and see just how much worse things could get.
At midnight, I remember sitting there, at midnight, in the middle of the wilderness, listening to Pink Floyd's droning for the umpteenth time, nursing my cork-flecked glass of wine, when it was grandly announced that the New Year festivities would begin. We were invited outside. The host had several old CO2 cartridges, (like you'd use for a seltzer bottle). They were now empty of gas, and he'd removed their seal, and filled them with black powder and a fuse. I hunkered down behind a tree as he proceeded to light these little home-made grenades. The night was quite punchered with loud explosions and I could hear the resulting steel shrapnel whipping past my little oaken bunker. There was truly death in the air that night.
Having survived this mini-Dresden, and it now being past Midnight, I finally said my goodbyes. I came for a party and got shrapnel and Pink Floyd. I know there's a lesson there somewhere, but damned if I know what it is. That New Year was followed by several other gruesome examples, but you get the point.
Nowadays the parties are quieter, and more comfortable. It'll be nice tonight. I hope you have fun too.

Awwww - Baby Rhino!

http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2008/12/delicate.html

Jesus born to Virgin Mary!

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE4BS38Q20081229?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough

Isn't there supposed to be a rapture or somesuch where I end up with a lot of free cars?

Happy Hogmanay!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hogmanay

Happy Birthday Burton Cummings!

http://officialburtoncummings.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burton_Cummings

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=177855839

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSMW4Gwi0y0&feature=related

Happy Birthday George C. Marshall!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Marshall

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Chad Vader Training Video!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSW4qDs-JU0&eurl=http://www.blamesociety.net/chadvader/index.php

nice article on MST 3000

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/29/AR2008122902492.html

I really miss that show. One of my all-time faves.
Cinematic titanic can be found here:
http://www.cinematictitanic.com/index.html

And the center of all things MST 3000 here:
http://www.mst3kinfo.com/

I consider this show to be Essential.

the return of the Burma Road

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-fg-road30-2008dec30,0,3240088.story

RIP Delaney Bramlett

http://delaneybramlett.com/
http://www.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUSTRE4BS07W20081229

(Thanks for the head's up about this, Pete!)

There's something about pop music and this date....

Happy Birthday to:

Skeeter Davis!
http://www.ronstadt-linda.com/skeeterdavis/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeeter_Davis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgcy-V6YIuI

Davy Jones!
http://www.davyjones.net/

http://luvdavy.tripod.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjV8YjDiwe8

Mike Nesmith!
http://www.monkees.net/nez/default.php

http://www.nezfriends.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekWTf_o85CY

Jeff Lynne!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Lynne

http://www.elomusic.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLNR4xfh1Qc

Bo Diddley - The Orgininator!
http://members.tripod.com/~Originator_2/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Diddley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F1Mk6U5zVY

Tracy Ullman!
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001808/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_Ullman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvZSdCTcS-A (one of my fave videos)

Patti Smith - Street Queen of the Night
http://www.pattismith.net/

http://www.myspace.com/pattismith

http://www.oceanstar.com/patti/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoGdx3I3dPE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPvR7wNwRAo&feature=related

Monday, December 29, 2008

The Lebanon Bologna Drop In The News!

http://www.ldnews.com/ci_11329498?source=most_viewed

You will not be too surprised to know that Linda and I have attended this event - TWICE. When our friends Rick and Susan (who hail from Lebanon) told us about it, well, we just had to go. It's a silly and fun evening and I highly recommend it.

Happy Birthday Mary Tyler Moore!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001546/

Happy Birthday Marianne Faithful!

http://www.mariannefaithfull.org.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Faithfull

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M2NWmYU1gk

A survivor...

Happy Birthday Ray Thomas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eRfd4CgM80

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Thomas

http://www.moodyblues.co.uk/2002web/band/mid_ray.swf

Another essential member of the Moodys.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

a nice article on how the music biz works, (or doesn't)

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/27/arts/music/27beat.html?_r=1&ref=music

There are a hundred examples just like this. To be fair, sometimes the artist is also sometimes at fault, (Springsteen is notorious for puttting out worse product than his bootleggers do).



(Thanks for the link, Erik!)

a nice article about the end of the Chesapeake

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/27/AR2008122701126.html?wpisrc=newsletter&sid=ST2008122701441&s_pos=

Happy Birthday Alex Chilton!

http://music.aol.com/artist/alex-chilton/1003293

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Chilton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s1lXefkC7w

Power pop god.

Happy Birthday Nichelle Nichols!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0629667/
http://www.uhura.com/

Saturday, December 27, 2008

just another day for the District Government

http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/122608-Cops_accused_of_Toys_for_Tots_thefts_tarnished_polices_image_official_says.html

Zep performs Misty Mountain Hop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLvXLp4f1gs&feature=related

Wonderful....

Jim Croce performs Lover's Cross

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rQJ6KQjDG0&feature=related

Great ballad, but then all of his ballads were.

4 Jacks & A Jill perform Master Jack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLJdFsg1iyk&feature=related

One of the few South African bands to have a successful crack at the American market. I think this was a hit around 68 or 69, although to me the sound resembles something from 64.

the cutting edge of careers

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4803133a11.html?Cool

Happy Birthday Marlene Dietrich!

http://www.marlene.com/

http://www.marlenedietrich.org/

One of the most stunningly beautiful and intriguing women to ever appear on the screen. Ironically, I consider most of her movies to be near-moronic, but Marlene just shines like a diamond in the mud. To me, she almost has a hypnotic quality. Just amazing.

Happy Birthday Sydney Greenstreet!

Great character actor. One of the most recognizable in history, and a huge influence on pop culture villains. Essential.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002113/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Greenstreet

Happy Birthday Mike Pinder!

I always loved Pinder's work with the Moody Blues. King of the mellotron!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsMpAph1vTc

http://www.mikepinder.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pinder

Friday, December 26, 2008

the snow globe

http://www.theweepies.com/snowglobe/


(Thanks for the link, Ed!)

Eddie Cochran performs Twenty Flight Rock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTpxJC4AAJ0&feature=related

One of the Immortals. Essential.

Al Green performs Take Me to The River

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tgm7v284JI

Great song. I've always thought, (probably erroneously) that it had much a deeper meaning. Talking Head's version makes it almost a dirge, and in some ways I think that's more appropriate.

Eddie Floyd performs Knock On Wood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p9h1ISE18I

Fun song! I don't know why Eddie never caught on.

David Bromberg (with John Sebastian) performs Demon In Disguise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi_RtsjKU60

Great song, by two masters.

1929 Mid-Air Refueling photo

http://www.strategypage.com/military_photos/2008122624838.aspx

My kind of Holiday celebration!

http://drunkenseveredhead.blogspot.com/2008/12/hairy-scary-bavari-christmas.html

a mother's special love...

http://www.kfwb.com/Pre-teen-Break-up-Ends-in-OC-Stabbing/3552771
I believe Neil Sedaka had some comments on this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbad22CKlB4

I Want To Hold Your Hand..

Was releases (in Britain) on this date in 1963. One of those tunes that can cause, (at least for a few seconds), the years to evaporate when I hear it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfsvE4j4ExA

Happy Anniversary to Monterey Pop

One of my all-time fave movies. Released on this date in 1968. Wonderful music. A great capturing of what was probably the over-all best and most important pop music festival ever held, (yes, I am well aware of Woodstock and the Isle of Wight when I say that....). The DVD is essential.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064689/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGJynZNr7rk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMTSPx7dNBE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Td6_pGKlO8

Happy Birthday Elisha Cook!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0176879/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisha_Cook_Jr.

A brilliant character actor, and one of the most popular. Fantastic career - Star Trek, The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, The House On Haunted Hill....

Happy Birthday Steverino!

http://www.steveallen.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006752/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Allen_(comedian)

http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/S/htmlS/steveallens/steveallens.htm

Essential.

Happy Wren Day!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wren_Day

Happy Boxing Day!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing_Day

Thursday, December 25, 2008

RIP Eartha Kitt

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/26/arts/26kitt.html?_r=1&hp

Freudian slippers

http://www.shakespearesden.com/freudian-slippers.html

the cutting edge of renewable energy

http://www.forbes.com/technology/2008/12/21/fat-fuel-biodiesel-tech-sciences-cz_pcb_1222fatfuel.html?feed=rss_technology

Nice times...

It is a time of traditions. Last night we went over to our old friends, Ross and Millie's, for a wonderful dinner party. We've done so for many years, and it's one of my favorite events - a small touchstone for my mind. Today, my brother and mother will be joining us for dinner. Such occasions used to be bigger and busier - we have grown more compact.
Santa was quite generous this year, I'm listening to Volume 10 of the Complete Motown Singles set, (collect 'em all!), and it's great. I've also got a new brand of absinthe to check out, (Lucid). We'll see how it and Smokey Robinson go together...

Happy Birthday Shane MacGowan!

http://www.shanemacgowan.com/

Happy Birthday Cab Calloway!

http://www.cabcallowayllc.com/

Happy Birthday Rod Serling!

Another authentic genius.
http://www.rodserling.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0785245/

Happy Birthday Bogey!

One of my all-time fave actors. Genius. Essential.

http://www.humphreybogart.com/

Pea Soup

The Exorcist premiered on this date in 1973. Ah, Prospect Street in the mist....

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070047/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru9fX9wvE6k&feature=related

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Cthulhu & FSM Tree Ornaments

http://www.nifnaks.com/creations-shop/christmas/

The Cutest Cthulhu.....

http://www.warehouse23.com/item.html?id=SJG9402

The Traditions of the Holidays In DC

http://www.waterskiingsanta.com/main.htm

Because nothing says "Christmas In DC" better than Santa water skiing down the Potomac...

new film about Poe

http://grimreviews.blogspot.com/2008/12/trailer-for-new-edgar-allan-poe-film.html

I hope this is good...

Merry Star Wars Christmas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXcb7VPw59s

I feel so blessed to have caught this TV special the one and only time it was broadcast. In a medium full to the brim with crap, the Star Wars Christmas special still ranks as one of the all-time worst abominations to have ever vomited forth from it. A true classic of schmaltzy blather and baldercash. The Jefferson Starship (whom I am quite a fan of) can't even save their little musical interlude. A complete disaster. This is a classic.

Gas, Food, Cthulhu - Next Exit

http://www.cafepress.com/barrysworld/3350798

microwave jingle bells

http://bitsandpieces.us/2008/12/24/jingle-bells-performed-by-49-microwaves/

the cutting edge of ethnic cuisine

http://blameitonthevoices.blogspot.com/2008/12/according-to-cannibals-japanese-are.html

the lost lighthouse

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/the-lighthouse-devoured-by-sand/5115

Remember People: Wheels Roll!

http://amandabauer.blogspot.com/2008/12/doh.html

interesting beach sculptures

http://www.premier-holidays.com/info/5_creepy_beach_sculptures_to_scare_off_sunbath.aspx

fishing in Afghanistan

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=195_1229959557

move over Pet Rock - we have the ultimate gift right here:

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/new-arrivals/nothing/index.html

failed geek gadgets

http://www.quazen.com/Shopping/Consumer-Electronics/Five-Failed-Geek-Gadgets-You-Dont-Want-for-Christmas.409207

the cutting edge of Christmas trees

http://www.pfadvice.com/2006/12/21/top-10-do-it-yourself-christmas-tree-photos/

cool photos of land speed record vehicles

http://www.oobject.com/category/most-beautiful-land-speed-record-vehicles

cool snow prints

http://2pie.blogspot.com/2008/12/snow-prints.html

helping one billion people to see better

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/dec/22/diy-adjustable-glasses-josh-silver

I love stuff like this.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

a few tunes for the season....

Nothing new here, just a few classics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zm9RmfNZIA&feature=PlayList&p=CBBC01F0B184B8F7&playnext=1&index=50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqOfXumI18A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbdyg51MVbg&feature=PlayList&p=36FCB58A96C36D94&playnext=1&index=16

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ7iyRJrFg8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDwWXpju77Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym62kKIydo8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC9o4oYMIqI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrAwK9juhhY&feature=related

Hey Santa, pass us that bottle....

"I had a problem with the innertube", the man said offhandedly...

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/sfl-bn-1220-inletaccident,0,6590777.story

Let Them Eat Caviar!

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ITALY_POOR_MANS_CAVIAR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-12-20-12-45-27

Cthulhu Clause

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFZa9tgUuU7KSnSJC6JK4J3k2fmc5jWHbB3qgC3fdCUzz2zN6c8NSXgEc0oCWzHdkN5HZrYbYOgZYRf627cE2kg26C8MBDOXt_Hj5eFWdUki3B1xB_MqJ08Vt2wBvfe9xH2h5tg/s1600-h/Santa+Cthulhu.jpg

art from the future...

http://www.benedict1.com/PAGES/digital-cyber%20future.html

So this is Christmas....

My long and overly complicated relationship with the Season continues. I enjoy very much the get-togethers with family and friends, (almost certainly one of the great joys in my life), but am also reminded of the many who are no longer around for such festivities. Like many of you, when I was growing up, the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's was always a time of great social activity for my parents, with many dinners and parties given and attended. I enjoyed those occasions and the people who attended them very much. They were my friends too. And they are almost all gone. In fact, there are very few friends, relatives or good acquaintances I have left who are more than twenty years older than me. Such is the way of things at Christmas - old Marley weighted down with sins committed, and me with memories of lost friends. We rattle and moan - to no good effect.
At any rate, it is a time of contrast between the darkness of the earth and the lights of our various celebrations, and the contact between friends and the mourning for friends beyond such contact. As with every other time of year, I hope you have a happy, safe and healthy time; and for those of you who are young enough, I hope you build up a store of memories and friends as rich and satisfying as my own.

The PlayStation Supercomputer

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/12/19/ps3-supercomputer.html

iPray

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081222/ap_on_re_eu/eu_vatican_iphones

"Blindsight"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7794783.stm

Interesting, but this article left me quite confused. It sounds to me as if the brain IS receiving information from the eyes, although it may not be processing it the normal way. Otherwise, this description doesn't make any sense.

Happy Anniversary to The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!

Wonderful movie. Perfect soundtrack.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060196/

Monday, December 22, 2008

Liquid Wood - An Alternative to Plastic?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28283260/
Cool!



(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

This Is Where We Live - The World Of Books

http://vimeo.com/2295261

Very cool animation.


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Happy Birthday Trinity!

A great satire of spaghetti westerns. Premiered on this date in '70.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/They_Call_Me_Trinity

Happy Birthday to The Mummy!

Premiered on this date in 1932. Wonderful film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023245/

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Happy Anniversary to The President's Analyst!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062153/

Great movie. A real ground breaker. Premiered on this date in 1967.

Happy Mumping Day!

http://www.bartleby.com/81/11797.html

Happy National Hamburger Day!

http://www.fiveguys.com/home.aspx

Happy Birthday Frank Zappa!

http://www.zappa.com/flash/joesmenage/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Zappa

Happy Birthday Vampira!

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=316412233

Saturday, December 20, 2008

there's nothing like an old-fashioned sleigh ride....

http://englishrussia.com/?p=1214

Robo-Dog!

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v16860823g9anBMpK?source=embed

Sidecars!

http://www.anothersite.co.uk/funny-stuff/crazy_sidecars.html

Geek Christmas Ornaments

http://www.walyou.com/blog/2008/12/07/geeky-christmas-ornaments/

a collectionof interesting, beautiful and unusual books

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/12/amazing-books-illuminated-manuscripts.html

Fun stuff!

my annual plug for NORAD and it's Santa Tracker

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html

I know that they need to update their graphics and soundtrack, but I still think this is one of the cooler things that the Federal Government does.

Twas The Night Before Christmas....

http://bongobells.blogspot.com/2008/12/twas-night-before-christmas.html

Superman Meets Bollywood!

http://cool-mo-dee.blogspot.com/2008/12/indian-superman-clips.html

worst Christmas song ever?

http://www.alan.com/2008/12/16/the-worst-christmas-song-ever/

Flying Spaghetti Monster Yard Lights!!!

http://www.venganza.org/2008/12/12/fsm-holiday-lights/

I love it...

Remember Kids - Smoking Kills

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_dog20.4635818.html

just another day in D.C.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2008/12/appreciation_the_pants_suit_fi.html?nav=rss_blog

Santa Claus Conquers The Martians online!

http://classicshowbiz.blogspot.com/2008/12/santa-claus-conquers-martians-1964.html

Payment

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Man_pays_parking_fine_with_toilet_paper&in_article_id=449410&in_page_id=34

Ray Guns!

http://www.hacknmod.com/hack/epic-collection-of-sci-fi-ray-guns/

To Serve Man

http://www.wunderkabinett.co.uk/damndata/index.php?/archives/1636-The-murderer-who-wanted-to-be-eaten.html

my next secret lair...

http://vincent.callebaut.org/page1-img-lilypad.html

an immortal animal?

http://www.zmescience.com/meet-the-worlds-only-immortal-animal

The Zombie Hand Mushroom

http://orimath.blogspot.com/2008/03/strange-mushroom-zombie-hand.html

The Opera Lover

http://holy-cuteness.blogspot.com/2008/12/menino-parrot-loves-opera.html

Poe Bicentennial coming up!

http://grimreviews.blogspot.com/2008/12/edgar-allan-poe-bicentennial-events.html

Cool stuff!

The Cliche-O-Matic

http://www.wherethehellwasi.com/blog/cliches.html

seven medical mysteries

http://naturalplane.blogspot.com/2008/12/seven-most-unusual-unsolved-medical.html

Alert Isaac Asimov!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081218141724.htm

Gesundheit!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7792102.stm

Burger King body spray

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081218/ap_on_fe_st/burger_king

The Collected poetry of REH

http://www.rehfoundation.org/?page_id=185

new Cthulhu statue on the way!

http://www.amazon.com/Nightmares-H-P-Lovecraft-Exclusive-Cthulhu/dp/B001AZCGCO

Feel the love!

Happy Anniversary to The Graduate!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061722/

Premiered on this date in 1967. Plastics....

Friday, December 19, 2008

nice interview with Lovecratt scholar S. T. Joshi

http://www.fruitlessrecursion.com/interview-s-t-joshi.html

RIP Majel Barrett

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20081218/first-lady-star-trek-majel-roddenberry-passes-away.htm

more news on the new Prisoner mini series

http://blogs.amctv.com/the-prisoner/talk/2008/12/will-there-be-a.php

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The MC5 perform Kick Out The Jams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM6nasmkg7A&feature=related

Immortal. Essential.

Easterhouse video for 1969

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJUceq6RsYI

Neat song from an underappreciated band.

Nena's video for 99 Luft Balloons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQYQTFudrqc&feature=related

always liked this tune....

Happy Birthday to The Grinch!

Premiered on this date in '66. A great cartoon. Better than that - it's a near-perfect pop culture triumph. Dr. Seuss story and illustrations, Chuck Jones animation and production, with the goddess of cartoon voices, June Foray; and two of the most recognizable voices of all time: the great Thurl Ravenscroft singing the theme song, and the immortal Boris Karloff providing narration and the Grinch's voice. We are talking Olympian heights here, people. It doesn't get any better. Essential. I've always wanted to play zoo-zither-carzay...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060345/

Happy Anniversary to the film, For A Few Dollars More

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059578/

Probably my favorite spaghetti western. Lee Van Cleef is just sooo cool in this!

Happy Birthday Keith Richards!

One of the Immortals...

http://www.keithrichards.com/

Happy Birthday Christopehr Fry!

One of my fave writers. Playwright of The Lady's Not For Burning, featuring a wonderful character named Thomas Mendip....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Fry

Happy Birthday Michael Moorcock

Probably the last of the great sword & sorcery writers.

http://www.multiverse.org/

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

the cutting edge of urinals

http://www.clarkmade.com/urinals.html

photo gallery of recently discovered critters

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/12/photogalleries/greater-mekong-new-species-photos/index.html

Pretty neat!

Wikipedia gets German archived photos

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,3851534,00.html

Very valuable resource here.

I should only weigh ten pounds....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7785118.stm

I'll just take the gold watch, please....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081216/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_japan_party_odd;_ylt=Aqap8oZxBSeEW0H8j8l5Zl7tiBIF

the robbery...

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/14/armed-burglars-demanded-egg-beater-say-deputies/

the latest (legal) aspect of Facebook....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081217/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_australia_facebook

But breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

So why rush it?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/16/AR2008121602749.html

Apple Cancels Christmas

http://applecanceledchristmas.com/


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

the birthday cake

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081217/ap_on_fe_st/odd_hitler_cake

morons....


(Thanks for the link, Doug!)

Happy Birthday to The Simpsons!

Essential. Premiered on this date in 1989.

http://www.thesimpsons.com/index.html

Happy Anniversary to Night of the Demon!

One of my fave horror movies. Really great stuff! Premiered on this date in 1957.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050766/

Happy Birthday Eddie Kendricks!

http://www.ejk-online.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Kendricks

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Ronnie Lane performs Ooh La La

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYPTX12L5Uw

Virtually and criminally unknown in this country. Ronnie was a genius who never really got his due. This bourbon's for you, Pal....

Jimi performs All Along The Watchtower

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwCBh0z3Hs

So cool....

Paul roland performs Wyndham Hill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxJhxKr2tE8

One of the greatest songwriters that you've never heard of. A rare and hidden jewel in pop culture.

Dave Mason performs We Just Disagree

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnsxq2YKyUo

Inescapable on the radio back in late '77. Kinda mopey, kinda depressing, just like late '77....

The Guess Who perform No Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA5IsFtANXc

Poor video, great song.

The Drifters perform Up On The Roof

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06iKj7o8p9g

One of the greatest pop songs of all time. Essential.

Drink Up!

Today is the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/teaparty.htm

Monday, December 15, 2008

Michael Martin Murphey performs Widlfire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2Q_89EL-js

I suppose it's kinda corny, but I always liked this song, and it seemed appropriate tonight for some reason.

for all of you Princess Bride fans...

http://www.zazzle.com/inigo_montoya_badge_button-145369629028549134

Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_602916.html

I've always considered this the most interesting battle of the War. the last, (and insane), throw of the dice by Hitler to try and force an armistice; the top German divisions VS some of the greenest and most worn out American ones,; the last paratroop drop of the war (at night!); English speaking German infiltrators; an entire brigade of German troops using captured American equipment; frogmen (in freezing rivers!); Patton's redirection of his army in record time; the siege of Bastogne and the fierce resistance of the 101st. Fascinating story, and frightening for those involved. As an aside, the old movie about the battle, (starring the great Henry Fonda), is pretty good, and manages to capture quite a bit of accuracy within the entertainment.

Happy Birthday Dave Clark!

http://dc5bitsandpieces.com/

Happy Birthday Alan Freed!

Another essential part of American pop culture.

http://www.alanfreed.com/

Happy Birthday John Hammond, Sr.!

http://www.answers.com/topic/john-hammond-sr

An essential part of American pop culture.

Happy Anniversary to One Two Three!

One of my fave movies. Brilliant comedy. Premiered on this date in '61.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055256/

Sunday, December 14, 2008

The Church of Google

http://www.p2pnet.net/story/17879

Of course, I remain faithful to Cthulhu....

post-war fantasy map

http://io9.com/5107152/maps-imagine-post+war-europe-without-germany

Another little tidbit from WWII. Given that the Russians were going to effectively absorb Poland (no matter what), I think it would need some tweaking. One possiblity that I've always wondered about would be along the lines of breaking up the old Reich and even some of the neighboring states. One would (re)create Prussia, Silesia, Frisia, Jutland, Alsace & Lorraine, Bavaria, and perhaps some of the central prinicpalities. For all of the talk of "Greater Germany" there have always been divisions between North and South, East and West, etc*. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened under such circumstances.


*Despite the usual historical tales about Bismarck, it was really Hitler who truly unified Germany, bringing Prussia and Bavaria more tightly into a national government and structure.

Count Gore presents Carnival of Souls

http://www.countgore.com/gore/lab.htm

Wonderful little horror movie.

Happy Birthday Spike Jones!

Genius. Essential.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_Jones

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Filthy Felon's Flight From Felony Fails - Faces Feces Fashion Fiasco

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6162536.html

archive of propaganda leaflets

http://www.psywar.org/leaflets.php

13 upcoming remakes of sci fi movies

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-upcoming-scifi-remakes-2008dec07-pg,0,5530382.photogallery?1

neat looking assasin spiders

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0308_060308_spider.html

Labels:

looking for love in all the wrong places

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24556530-5012895,00.html

Walken In A Winter Wonderland

http://walkenwonderland.ytmnd.com/

just another day in the District

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2008/12/un-fucking-believable.html

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2008/12/yet-another-way-city-is-trying-to-kill.html

Barbara Feldon sings 99!

http://classicshowbiz.blogspot.com/2008/12/barbara-feldon-novelty-single-1966.html

Fun stuff!

nazi zombies!

http://thevaultofhorror.blogspot.com/2008/12/nazi-zombies-in-norway-watch-now.html

The Spirit of Christmas Lives!

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Man_accused_of_Christmas_tree_attack_on_dad&in_article_id=429889&in_page_id=2

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Angry_parents_attack_Santa_and_his_elves&in_article_id=429882&in_page_id=34

Industrial Christmas Music...

http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/marlin-l-ryan-york-pa-traditional.html

Happy Birthday Dick Van Dyke!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001813/

Friday, December 12, 2008

WE'RE #1! WE'RE #1!

http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/121108-Area_among_worst_in_US_for_small-town_commuters.html

monitoring the zombie threat

http://www.zombieforecast.org/

nice fansite devoted to Tim Burton

http://nightmare-king.ovh.org/

the stage prop

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7777086.stm

hitler's dart bomb?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1093499/Hitlers-pub-dart-bomb-The-secret-Nazi-weapon-drawn-terrorise-Britain.html

I suppose it's possible that someone was taking this seriously, but I would be cautious here. Yes, there were all sorts of incredible military ideas floating around by 1945, (on both sides), but someone making a few sketches on a piece of paper hardly counts for much, in terms of serious possibilities.

this book sounds like fun

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/19/gogo-girls-of-the-ap.html

photos of the underground city of Derinkuyu

http://www.rincondelmisterio.com/derinkuyu-la-misteriosa-ciudad-subterranea-de-turquia/en/

Pretty neat!

Majel Barrett returns as the voice of the Star Trek computer

http://trekweb.com/articles/2008/12/11/Majel-BarrettRoddenberry-to-Play-Computer-Voice-in-New-Star-Trek-Movie.shtml

Cool.

Happy Birthday to the Wolf Man!

Premiered on tis date in 1941.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034398/

Happy Birthday Karl Wagner!

One of my favorite writers and one of the best in the genres of horror and sword & sorcery.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/karl-edward-wagner/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Edward_Wagner

http://www.darkecho.com/darkecho/features/kew.html

Happy Birthday Edward G. Robinson!

http://www.moderntimes.com/egr/

One of my faves.

Happy Birthday Dionne Warwicke!

http://www.dionnewarwick.info/disc.html

Happy Birthday Robin Tyner!

http://www.i94bar.com/sixteen/tyner.html

Thursday, December 11, 2008

the fem bot

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2023392.ece

I suspect this thing is pretty clunky, but also suspect that we're going to get real fem bots within the next few decades, if for no other reason than that the guys most capable of designing them may be the ones most needy of them...

Happy Anniversary V For Vendetta!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434409/

Flawed, but still brilliant.

Happy Birthday George Mason!

http://www.gunstonhall.org/georgemason/

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Emily Dickinson!

http://www.bartleby.com/113/

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Arthur Conley performs Sweet Soul Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp3JOzcpBds

Fun song and great performance. I don't know why Conley's career never really took off.

Nils performs Moon Tears

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_n_D5An2Gg

Great stuff!

promo video for The Third Rail's Run Run Run

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rvhcT-5_Rg

I've always loved this song. Over 40 years later, and we're still in the rat race....

promotional video for the Troggs' Wild Thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9DVJE_bhVU

Unbelievably cool. One fo the few songs to give Louie Louie a run for its money. Essential.

Tee Hee!

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/chinese-classical-poem-was-brothel-ad-1058031.html

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!

Debuted on this date in 1965. Fantastic soundtrack, perhaps the best ever for a TV show; and one of the most charming and interesting of all the various Christmas-themed movies and specials.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Charlie_Brown_Christmas

Happy Birthday Margaret Hamilton!

The archtypal Witch. Brilliant.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002121/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Hamilton

Happy Birthday Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001195/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Fairbanks,_Jr.

One of my faves.

Happy Birthday Michael Dorn!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000373/
http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Michael_Dorn

Great actor!

Happy Birthday Joan Armatrading!

http://www.joanarmatrading.com/
Wonderful singer and writer.

Monday, December 08, 2008

David Bowie perform Heroes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejJmZHRIzhY

Maybe my favorite song by Bowie; this is from the last Bing Crosby Christmas show, (which I watched). One of those tunes that got me through late '77, if just for one day....

Gary Lewis & The Playboys perform Everybody Loves A Clown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um8qeoV8Xd8&feature=related

a strange little proto-child molesting setup from the old Shindig show, (if I remember correctly). Nevertheless, I've always liked this song. I'm told he wrote this for his father. I still like it.

John Waite's video for Missing You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW9V0keikqE

At first it seems like fluff, but it's really quite a moving and accurate little tune. Great stuff.

Happy Birthday Jim Morrison!

One of my faves. Jim would have turned 65 today.


http://www.thedoors.com/

Happy Birthday Jerry Butler - The Iceman!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Butler_(singer)

Happy Birthday Flip Wilson!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip_Wilson

A great comic.

Happy Birthday Sinead O'Connor!

http://www.sinead-oconnor.com/
http://www.sineadoconnor.com/

http://www.myspace.com/sineadoconnormusic

Sunday, December 07, 2008

just another day in D.C.

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2008/12/two-random-ways-city-will-try-to-kill.html

I still maintain that if you got rid of the entire D.C. government, no one would notice any decline in the quality (or lack thereof) of life.

site for the new Star Trek film

http://www.startrekmovie.com/

PulpFest 2009

http://www.pulpfest.com/

new Wolfman movie in 4/2009

http://www.thewolfmanmovie.com/

Bacon!

http://www.cvwine.com/index.html

Happy Birthday Vlad Tepes - Mr. Excitement!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_III_the_Impaler

Happy Birthday Harry Chapin!

http://www.harrychapin.com/
http://harrychapinmusic.com/chapin_site2/home/chapinhp_frm.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5dwksSbD34

One of the great storytellers, and a real humanitarian.

Happy Birthday Eli Wallach!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0908919/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Wallach

Brilliant actor, one of the best.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

http://www.pearlharbormemorial.com/?gclid=CMayieCbmpcCFQsaHgodFwg2_Q
http://arizonamemorial.org/about-amma/new-vc/new-vc-welcome.html

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Count Gore tribute to Forry Ackerman

http://www.countgore.com/gore/cemetery.htm

Breathing Books

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/12/01/breathing-books-by-edith-kollath/

ancient air conditioning

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/green-living/3-coolest-ancient-air-conditioning-devices/4314

the cutting edge of swing sets

http://www.kiiking.ee/?lang=en

Beautiful mazes and labyrinths

http://webecoist.com/2008/11/25/amazing-creative-hedge-mazes-and-labyrinths/

The Can Man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg5SaVARh4A

beer can art

http://www.sloshspot.com/blog/12-02-2008/Recycled-Beer-Can-Art-The-Things-We-Do-to-Pass-the-Time-82

the cutting edge of cargo

http://www.oobject.com/category/12-ships-with-impossibly-large-cargo/

the cutting edge of Christmas decorations

http://blog.luxuryproperty.com/luxury-real-estate-christmas-trees-and-decorations/

Santa's Gmail

http://www.holytaco.com/image.php?u=http://cdn.holytaco.com/www/sites/default/files/santafinalfinal.jpg

Happy Birthday David Ossman!

Comedic genius. Firesign are essential.

http://www.firesigntheatre.com/albums/ossman.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ossman

Friday, December 05, 2008

for the love of calico

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3543414/Man-jailed-for-having-sex-with-a-horse.html

(Thanks for the link, Nancy!)

The Nativity

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/3545223/Caganers-figurines-of-defecating-world-leaders-in-Catalan-nativity-scenes.html

the commando canoes

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh/ART62825.html

Another nice footnote about WWII.

Death By Karaoke

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/12/5/nation/2730806&sec=nation

I've wanted to do that to quite a few karaoke singers...

my new fave headline:

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/editors-choice/Sheep-poo-caused-mountain-bike.4750488.jp

Teddys In Space!

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20081204/tuk-teddy-bears-blast-off-into-space-6323e80.html

RIP Forry

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hTwBvlbmS_52cjIRk2GxegXzCx1AD94SPFMG1

Not unexpected, but still very sad. We've lost a giant within pop culture.

Happy Repeal Day!

Cheers!

Happy Birthday Little Richard!

http://www.kolumbus.fi/timrei/lre.htm

http://www.littlerichard.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlkMc0ZaJmY

One of the Immortals. Essential.

Happy Birthday Alvy Moore (Hank Kimball)

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0600886/

Happy Ninja Day!

http://dayoftheninja.com/index2.html

Thursday, December 04, 2008

the oldest living animal

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3545540/Worlds-oldest-living-animal-discovered-after-he-is-pictured-in-1900-photograph.html

Giant Squid Attack!

http://www.rincondelmisterio.com/un-enorme-calamar-gigante-ataca-camara-submarina/en/

Happy Birthday Southside!

One of my faves...

http://www.southsidejohnny.com/

http://www.asburyjukes.net/

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

wasp sucking

http://gizmodo.com/5083127/homemade-wasp-sucking-machine-creates-a-wasp-holocaust

strange little music video

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/11/17/old-video-of-talking.html

I believe these people are all alien beings....

Mojo performs Christmas Christmas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Ou3sLcP7g

passive aggressive notes

http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/

Well, It's December...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast, (thanks Frank & Nancy!); and then spent the rest of the weekend decorating the Manor for the holidays. I'm sitting here in front of a proverbial roaring fireplace next to our decorated tree, listening to the Mojo Nixon Christmas album. It's been a nice day and a wonderfully calm evening. Here's hoping that you're enjoying life too.

the wussification of Australia

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24745013-421,00.html

denunciation in vichy

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/3543112/Petty-disputes-led-to-Nazi-denunciation-in-WWII-France.html

Another little footnote to WWII.

life in D.C......

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2008/12/ok-dmv-its-just-you-and-me-now.html

Haunted Pics

http://www.dothehudson.net/en/app/haunted-pics/catalog.html

And the Martian Worm!

http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/tech/2008/12/02/obrien.mars.worm.cnn

The Body Swap Illusion

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article5274756.ece

Incredibly interesting. Of course, this will aid me in my desire to take over and inhabit a new host body and live forever.....

Death By Bedding

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1091297/Woman-73-dies-trapped-inside-new-foldaway-bed.html#

I'm positive I've seen this situation (with less fatal results) in some sort of sitcom - I Love Lucy?

the Lincoln Log of Mars

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1091223/Conspiracy-theorists-wood-trees-spot-timber-plank-Mars.html

my next excuse

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081202/ap_on_fe_st/odd100_mph_wreck;_ylt=AnEbAZEaLdQD1nP73xk.29ftiBIF

Happy Birthday Ozzy!

http://www.ozzy.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ozzyosbourne

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

the caves of Caen

http://www.rrstar.com/news/x596323067/Shelters-reveal-World-War-II-nightmares

An interesting footnote to WWII.

irony...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27963920/

candy cane defence

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/11/28/state/n141304S02.DTL&tsp=1

Lost at sea...

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/entertainment/5185182/inflatable-boobs-lost-sea/

Happy Birthday Jonathan Frid!

http://www.jonathanfrid.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Frid

Monday, December 01, 2008

Happy Birthday Woody Allen!

http://www.woodyallen.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000095/

Happy Birthday John Densmore!

http://www.johndensmore.com/