a warning....

I just got a new computer. Will start to set it up over the next day or two, but you know how that goes. I may be offline a little while....

Hooray! Gothtober starts tomorrow!

http://www.gothtober.com/

Get Your Kicks....

http://news.aol.com/article/666-road-sign-thefts-bedeviling-roadways/193836?cid=12

the cutting edge of medical diagnosis...

http://news.aol.co.uk/grandfather-71-told-hes-pregnant/article/20080929011136423413884

What the hell are they making those things out of?!?!

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2008/09/12-year-old-mcdonalds-hamburger-still-looking-good.html

Stick to 5 Guys....

When "cows" attack

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-world/2008/09/19/in-pictures-cow-attempts-to-jump-elderly-woman-with-hilarious-results-115875-20744704/

Ummm, they keep using the word "cow" in this article. I assume they mean "bull"... being a registered rancher in the Old Dominion gives me special insights like that ;)

Squirrel Underpants

http://www.squirrelunderpants.com/

(From Archie McPhee, of course...)

Happy Eve of the Black Month!

http://www.halloweenonlinemagazine.com/party/party1-1.html

We, and the Manor, are ready...

Happy Birthday Marilyn McCoo!

http://www.mccoodavis.com/

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMhWQgkZ8c&feature=related

Marilyn was always one of the prettiest women in pop music. And I loved the sound of the
5th Dimension with all those Laura Nyro hits.

Bad Ompany perform their theme song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf3uiCfNkaM&feature=related

Great stuff!

Crystal Gayle performs Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5JNtxeJLQ4

Late '77 was a lonely and challenging time in my life. It was a time for the blue collar street anthems of Bruce and the psychological rebellion of punk, but then there was this tune. And it really touched me. Great song.

The Shirelles perform Will You Love Me Tommorow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBd0d21oBOc&feature=related

Wonderful.

The Stylistics perform You Make Me Feel Brand New

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owm5rEEB_YA

Beautiful song. Great vocals.

Curtis Mayfield performs Gypsy Woman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc_nWUJ7jzQ

The Soul of Soul. What a great talent.

Cthulhu Lego!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Z6XQSaZ9E

a Halloween light show

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=176Zp3SsoqQ

Cool stuff!

November 1st - The DC Zombie Lurch!

http://renaessance.com/lurch2006.html


Braaaaiiiiiinnnnnsssss!

Book Art

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/09/bittersweet-art-of-cutting-up-books.html

Some pretty neat stuff, but I do cringe at the idea of destroying books.

Superhero Weirdness...

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/09/most-ridiculous-things-to-do-with.html

bat coffee

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080927/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bat_brew;_ylt=AlHqe43MavXmxR8aAZr02Sys0NUE

the "secret" eco-village

http://mysterytopia.com/2008/09/secret-eco-village-spotted-in-wales.html

Lawrence Welk - Hippie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFmSv2WFDrs&feature=related

There's always been a surreal element to old Lawrence...

Happy Anniversary to The Prisoner!

Premiered on this date in '67. My all-time fave TV show. I consider it the Best, ever...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRPDO63rI1E&feature=related

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061287/

http://www.netreach.net/~sixofone/

http://www.theunmutual.co.uk/

Happy Birthday Jerry Lee Lewis

http://www.jerryleelewis.com/

http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/jerry-lee-lewis

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


A flawed genius. Not a very nice man, but then to earn the title of THE Wild Man of Rock'N'Roll you aren't going to be very sweet...

Happy Crack Nut Day!

Happy Birthday Janeane Garofalo!

http://kumo.swcp.com/synth/janeane.php
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000413/

One of my faves...

I'm A Little Worried

http://www.gothtober.com/

One of my fave sites this time of year has been Gothtober, but I've heard nothing from them on whether or not there'll be a countdown to Halloween this year. Here's hoping...

nice article on board games for Halloween

http://halloweenalliance.com/party/party-activities/halloween-themed-party-games-for-gamers.htm

Lancelot Link online...

http://cool-mo-dee.blogspot.com/2008/09/lancelot-link-secret-chimp_23.html

nice article on the new Bruce Campbell flick, "My Name Is Bruce"

http://blogs.amctv.com/horror-hacker/2008/09/bruce-campbell-interview.php

the pipeline

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/world/article.html?Vodka_pipeline_smugglers_arrested&in_article_id=314850&in_page_id=64

If at first you don't succeed...

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Man_finally_finds_love_after_24_marriages&in_article_id=308647&in_page_id=2

the impolite parrot...

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Parrots_filthy_tirade_at_zoo_visitors&in_article_id=308640&in_page_id=2

October Happenings in Salem...

http://www.hauntedhappenings.org/

River of Skulls Wine

http://goodwineunder20.blogspot.com/2008/09/river-of-skulls-halloween-tradition.html

Sounds/looks tasty!

The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival is coming up!

http://hplfilmfestival.com/

the cutting edge of justifiable homicide

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/09/27/implant.hitmen.reut/index.html

RIP Paul Newman

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

Cake Wrecks

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Sam Adams!

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/adams2.htm

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

http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/a#a821

One fo the Essential men of the Revolution. A hero of mine.

Happy Birthday Zacherle!

http://www.zacherley.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Zacherle

Happy Birthday Mr. Loaf!

http://www.meatloaf.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0ns8t9iQck

Happy Birthday Thomas Nast!

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

http://www.thomasnast.com/

The most influential cartoonist, ever?

Happy Birthday Randy Bachman!

http://www.randybachman.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Bachman

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

I love the fascist press - it saves you time

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_reports_successful_space_flight_before_rocket_lifts_off_999.html

You never have to read it to know what it'll say...

remember to pay those dentist bills

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3079442/German-dentist-extracts-payment-from-patient.html

The Illusion Page

http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/~akitaoka/index-e.html

Cool!


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Jet Pack Over The Channel!

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Man-flies-over-English-Channel-jet-wing/ss/events/lf/092608yvesrossy

That is pretty cool!

The Real Election - Santa VS Cthulhu!

http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/689593/Santa_Claus_Runs_For_President.html

The Phil Collins chocolate ad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbLr2NEV_7o

Tres strange...


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Wash that fruit!

On this date, it is believed in Scotland that Satan fell and scratched himself in a blackberry patch. In revenge, he urinates on them every year at this time. (Unfortunately, the date for this varies about a week or see either way - best to avoid the berries altogether!)

Happy Anniversary to Abbey Road!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_Road_(album)

Released on this date in '69.

Happy Birthday Bryan Ferry!

http://www.bryanferry.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfgU4iQr8PU

Happy Anniversary to Gilligan's Island

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057751/

http://www.gilligansisle.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdZvrWDN5qQ&feature=related

I don't care if you do hate it, it's an essential part of pop culture. Remember - NOBODY knows the words to the National Anthem, but EVERYBODY knows the words to the theme song from Gilligan's Island. And I doubt most citizens can name the past seven Presidents, but I bet they can name the seven Castaways...

Big Star perform September Gurls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3KuIoOc7pI&feature=related

It seemed appropriate...

The Hollies perform Carrie-Anne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLfTr8V8C5w&feature=related

I love this band, and this tune.

fan video of the Pousette Dart Band recording of Amnesia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C45nmYKwTsE

I always liked this song. Sounds better after the fourth drink. I think I saw this performed once or twice by local bands back at the old old Birchmere, (back when it was behind Shirlington).

John Hartford & Glen Campbell perform Gentle On My Mind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_heX9IawYE

Classic song.

the last holdout...

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=432495&Category=14&subCategoryID=

The Last Polish Cavalry Charge

http://www.polishnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=404%3Alast-great-charge-of-the-polish-cavalry&catid=93%3Ahistoriapolish-history&Itemid=329&showall=1

An interesting footnote to WWII.

neat wargaming table!

http://www.ethanham.com/blog/2008/09/worlds-largest-wargaming-table.html


(Thanks for the link, John!)

Happy Birthday Rocky Horror!

Premiered on this date in 1975. It's astounding....

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073629/

http://www.rockyhorror.com/

http://www.cosmosfactory.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdu7xoHU9DA

Springsteen performs Spirit In The Night...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PabcRWkv41g

It's a very pleasant early Autumn night here at the Manor. The sun's slinking away, leaving a haze of backlight on the clouds and the temperature's just right. As kids in the old neighborhood we'd be sitting on Edmund and Millie's front stoop, shooting the shit, and some would then suggest a game of Kleeba.
Now, I think I explained once before that Kleeba was a game invented by our neighbor, Bruce, (not Springsteen...). The official name was Kleeba Kleega Honka Honka, (and you'd have to ask Bruce the background and significance of that, whatever memories I have were burned off long ago). The rules were a combination of tag, dodge ball and hide-and-go-seek; the playing field was the entire neighborhood. It was only played at night, and you'd wear clothing as dark as possible, and there's be a tennis ball. Someone would start out as "It". They'd possess the ball, close their eyes, and count to ten. In the meantime, the rest of us would run and hide amidst the bushes, parked cars, stairwells, etc. around the neighborhood. The "It" would run around trying to find a vicitm. When they discovered someone, they'd throw the ball, and if it hit the person, they'd become the new "It". It was considered bad form to immediately tag the person who'd just hit you, but there were no formal rules beyond what I've just described. It was a loner's game; for anyone who'd seen where you'd hid might next be tagged and then quickly corner you. One common tactic, once sighted, would be to run into an area already occupied by your fellow "hiders", who'd immediately scatter, thus providing the hunter with more than one target and (hopefully) getting them off YOUR tail. Kleeba was a cooperativist's nightmare.
I don't know how it sounds to you reading this, but I can assure you - it was a blast.
Time moved on, (of course), and a night like tonight would be a cause for hanging out, drinking cheap wine, going on those first, tentative dates from school, and shooting yet more shit around the old neighborhood. And in later years it meant nights spent kicking around Old Town - nocturnal visits to the Warehouse, and my beloved Mason's (I still miss that place). Going over to Roger and Margrete's place to drink heavily and read tarot cards and poetry; and later on, to Nancy's for parties and chili feasts and a safe place to just escape.
It's a pleasant night for pleasant memories. Many of you reading this are a part of them. Thanks.

a mother's love....

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=180803

A woman????????????

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1059512/Road-rage-woman-burned-death-ramming-rival-motorist-revving-engine-car-went-flames.html

Ms? Did they say Ms?!?!

Grizzly Dancing

http://arstechnica.com/journals/science.ars/2008/09/18/grizzly-population-study-turns-up-video-of-dancing-bears

the musical road

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7627713.stm

I know, it sounds like crap; but it is a cool idea...

when bacon gets angry....

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article4807426.ece

Darwin Award potential

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7629433.stm

Stupid people trying to procreate stopped in their tracks! Great pun and outcome!

a famous optical illusion, explained

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/dn14788-shifty-eye-movements-behind-famous-optical-illusion.html

Penis Pump Judge In The News!

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080924_16_A7_hThest349296

I believe Elvis Costello addressed this issue a few decades back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVngzaBsrSM&feature=related

This'll get 'em on their feet....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/3068387/Exploding-wheelchair-sparks-air-safety-warning.html

everybody needs a hobby...

http://www.mercurynews.com/crime/ci_10512587?nclick_check=1

We're only a month away from Coffinfest!

http://www.manitousprings.org/ASP/CalendarItem.ASP?NUMBER=86

The 13 Greatest Error Messages...

http://technologizer.com/2008/09/18/errormessage/


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

The Music of Microsoft Windows

http://video.stumbleupon.com/?s=rh4bhslztl&i=31uwirchx4b9ej8g6nmr

Pretty cool!


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Happy Birthday Gerry Marsden!

Memories..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHEXs94Dqb8

http://www.gerrymarsden.co.uk/

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

HEY Jude hit #1 on this date in '68!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxNKyB8f_p0

I love that song...

Happy Birthday Jim Henson!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001345/

http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Jim_Henson

http://www.jimhensonlegacy.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42cRLsZ4Qmw

Another authentic American genius.

Patrick McGoohan interviewed about The Prisoner!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6gPztzkNMQ
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=SJ4psHOzo- 0

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=Bp4A4Q_ 4bUo

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=3ZWI35jDXCA

Great stuff!

17 years....

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/mental-health-6.html

Pretty interesting.


(Thanks for the link, Chris!)

the cutting edge of malpractice

http://www.nbc4.com/health/17538468/detail.html

(Thanks for the link, Linda!)

Happy Birthday Santo!

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

http://www.santoandfriends.com/

Happy Birthday Bruce!!!

http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html
http://www.backstreets.com/

http://www.greasylake.org/home.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KngiJUNdsu0

What more can I say...

Happy Birthday Ray Charles

A genius. Essential. An American Classic.

http://www.raycharles.com/the_man_biography.html

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

http://www.history-of-rock.com/ray_charles.htm

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Tiz6INF7I&feature=related

Happy Anniversary to Butch & Sundance!

One of my fave movies. A Boomer classic... Premiered on this date in 1969.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064115/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zOeYH2mQSM

New Issue of MonsterKid online!

http://www.monsterkid.com/

A very cool online mag for those of us who remember the old Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine.

I have decided to stop trying to lasso people from my speeding car...

http://www.nbc4.com/news/17529705/detail.html

Happy Birthday Joan Jett!

http://www.joanjett.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HONFeMNXW0U

OW!

Happy Birthday John Houseman!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002144/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Houseman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qHEBABE6PU

One of the greats.

That Ghost Host With The Most!

http://countgore.com/gore/

As we get into the Spooky Season, I will once again remind folks of one of my fave sites - Count Gore De Vol's Creature Feature. A local legend and personal fave of mine, the good Count presnets horror movies and great reviews/news of all types of horror media. He's an essential part of modern living...

Only 40 Days Till Halloween!

Happy Birthday H. G. Wells!

http://www.online-literature.com/wellshg/

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Marble/5652/

Genius. Essential.

Happy Birthday Chuck Jones!

Genius.

http://www.chuckjones.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005062/

Happy Devil's Nutting Day!

http://www.learnenglish.de/Temp/September/SeptemberDates.htm

Happy Autumn Equinox!

Fall is here!

My next Halloween t-shirt...

http://shop.cafepress.com/design/22819086

my next t-shirt...

http://shop.cafepress.com/design/25234266

DC's Finest

http://dcist.com/2008/09/18/mpd_cops_love_family_guy.php

a Virginia license plate for Southpark fans

http://ufailpix.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/virginia-handicapped-plate.jpg

Happy Anniversary Firefly!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly_(TV_series)

http://www.fireflyfans.net/

One of my fave TV shows. It is absolutely criminal that this wasn't a hit.

Happy Birthday Carolyne Mas!

http://carolynemas.com/
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=164793209

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg3sDnhAljQ

One of my fave performers. Wonderful.

Happy Birthday Jay Ward!

Genius. Essential.

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

http://www.rockyandbullwinkle.com/jwt/

http://www.toonopedia.com/jayward.htm

Hopsickles Are Back!

http://www.brookstonbeerbulletin.com/the-triumphant-return-of-hopsickles/

Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day!

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

Arrrrr!

Happy Birthday Brook Benton!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr5djzzeA3M
http://www.tsimon.com/benton.htm

One of the best soul singers, hampered (in my opinion), by material not always up to his talent.

Happy Birthday Bill Medley!

http://www.billmedley.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7827EMkm5ko

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

One of the great voices in pop music.

Happy Birthday Mama Cass Elliott!

http://www.casselliot.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cass_Elliot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEQxEJ5_5zA

She grew up on my old street - Crestwood Drive!

The World of Warcraft Terror Plot?!?

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/09/16/pentagon-researcher.html

Yawn. Let's see, we have an islamic "world" of about a billion people, spread across a hundred countries, and in the majority (and in control) in several dozen of them. We have 50-60 solid years of military training, intervention, support, giveaways and sales by the British, French, Russians, and us to those people over those decades. The immediate area around Israel and the Arabian Gulf alone is so awash in weaponry and people who've been trained how to use it that it is incalculable how much pure killing power is there. And we're worried about some clown "planning" an atrocity in an online game?!? I've got news for ya, these guys have got people who've been professionally trained how to commit acts of massive destruction - by the U.S. and the above mentioned countries. And look at the economic background. Do you think the guys in all the "Stans" who smuggle tens of tons of drugs into this country every year would have any more problem substituting a single ton of something explosive or bacteriological? Do you think those guys needed the Internet to set up an effective system? This is just silly.


(thanks for the link, Chris!)

the first signs of All Hallows!

Linda and I went for a stroll through the neighborhood yesterday afternoon, and on the opposite side of our block, one of the houses has a large wooden jack-o-lantern plaque displayed on their front door. Woo hoo! With the Equinox coming up in a few days, and with us planning our decorating to start on Saturday morning, I think we can safely say we are entering condition Orange here at the Manor!

Happy Birthday Eddie "Rochester" Anderson

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0026655/

http://www.radiohof.org/comedy/eddieanderson.html

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

One of the most distinctive and well known voices in history. Brilliant comic.

Happy Anniversary to Alien Nation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Nation_(TV_series)

http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/trekker/aliennation.html

Premiered on this date in 1989. Actually, a pretty cool show.

Happy Anniversary to WKRP!

Premiered on this date in 1978. Fun show.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077097/

http://epguides.com/WKRPinCincinnati/guide.shtml

Happy National Play-Doh Day!

http://www.hasbro.com/playdoh/

Crows' IQ examined...

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14745-crows-make-monkeys-out-of-chimps-in-mental-test.html

BRAAAAAIIIINNNNSSSSSSSSSSSS

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26742742/

auto-erotic

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Drunk_man_has_sex_with_car&in_article_id=310514&in_page_id=2

the duck out of water...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_3008966.html

the upside down rainbow

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1056500/Pictured-Rare-upside-rainbow-spotted-UK.html

God Save The Emperor!

On this date in 1859, was the self-coronation of our most Sovereign Lord, Norton I, Emperor of the United States & Protector of Mexico, (and a personal hero of mine).

http://www.zpub.com/sf/history/nort.html

http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist1/norton.html

http://www.notfrisco.com/nortoniana/

Happy Constitution Day!

http://constitutioncenter.org/ConstitutionDay/

http://www.constitutionday.cc/

Happy Birthday Anne Bancroft!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000843/

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

Happy Birthday Elvira!

http://www.elvira.com/

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

Happy Birthday Fee Waybill!

http://www.thetubes.com/waybill.htm

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP8nGNbk7oQ

Rock cabaret extraordinaire.

Happy Birthday Baron von Steuben!

http://www.ushistory.org/ValleyForge/served/steuben.html

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/vonstub.htm

Patriot.

Cuteness Alert - Buster!

http://busterjourney.blogspot.com/

Tee Hee!

http://davesworld56.blogspot.com/2008/09/funny-i-read-today.html

Army experiments with mind communication

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20080915/us_time/thearmystotallyseriousmindcontrolproject

Hmmm, interesting, I guess. But supposedly this would be most useful for those troops directly in combat. I have a sneaky suspicion that all you're going to get from some second lieutenant whose platoon just got caught in an ambush is something along the lines of "OHSHITHOLYFUCKINGCHRISTIGOTTAGETOUTTAHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Such communication administered to the lower ranks would pick up equally interesting thoughts - mostly about fragging the lieutenant who led them into the ambush or the major that ordered the operation in the first place. This could be quite amusing. First, soldiers will kill the people monitoring communications, THEN they'll go out on patrol, secure that their thoughts won't be monitored. (Mutinies have always interested me....). As an alternative, I predict that all these commuication devices will mysteriously break once they are out of sight of the officers....

Happy Anniversary to A Fistful Of Dollars!

One of my fave Westerns. Premiered on this date in 1964.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058461/

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2ar1OB1LSQ

Happy Anniversary to The Outer Limits

http://www.theouterlimits.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056777/

Premiered on this date in '63.

Happy Anniversary to The Bob Newhart Show!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068049/
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/B/htmlB/bobnewharts/bobnewharts.htm

Great show...

Happy Birthday Lauren Bacall!

One of the greats! A personal fave.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000002/

http://themave.com/Bacall/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MheNUWyROv8

footage from the new version of The Day The Earth Stood Still

http://io9.com/5049803/frightening-new-footage-from-the-day-the-earth-stood-still

I'm Crossing My Legs....

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1803

The Emergency Call...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7616451.stm

honeybee shimmering

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080909204550.htm

Weird and fascinating...

Wuss Nation

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/09/12/fourth-grader-suspen.html

There seems to be a contest between us and the British as to who can be the biggest cry-baby weeny-filled nanny state. I've said it before - I'd never make it past third grade nowadays, I'd be on some sort of permanent double-secret expulsion for crimes against total blank-minded passivity. What a bunch of weens....



(Thanks for the link, Chris!)

Happy Birthday John "Torgo" Reynolds!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0721786/
http://mst3k.wikia.com/wiki/Torgo

Happy Anniversary Green Acres!

Premiered on this date in 1965. A very surreal and under-rated show.

http://www.maggiore.net/greenacres/

Tonight is the Harvest Moon...

http://www.almanac.com/redletterday/2008-09-15

Happy Felt Hat Day!

http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/felthatday.htm

new trailer for My Name Is Bruce

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

I gotta see this flik.

The Byrds perform Chestnut Mare

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9cINH9yob4&feature=related
Beautiful song...

The Vanilla Fudge perfoem You Keep Me Hanging On

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lhIc-ByUmU&feature=related

Great cover.

John Fogarty performs Who'll Stop The Rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7YgP_383wM

Beautiful...

Jack Benny meets Isaac Hayes

http://classicshowbiz.blogspot.com/2008/09/jack-benny-interviews-isaac-hayes-1973.html

You can't make stuff like this up.

John Cleese on the Dick Cavett Show

http://classicshowbiz.blogspot.com/2008/09/dick-cavett-show-with-guest-john-cleese.html

the evolution of national flags

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/09/09/the-evolution-of-national-flags/

Nice little article.

RIP Bill Melendez

http://www.historywire.com/2008/09/bill-melendez-d.html

nice interview with Mary Jo Pehl (of MST 3000)

http://talkingwithtim.com/wordpress/2008/09/02/mary-jo-pehl-on-cinematic-titanic/

for that gothic child: the graveyard garden

http://livesciencestore.com/56811.html

Tor Johnson on You Bet Your Life!

http://cool-mo-dee.blogspot.com/2008/08/tor-johnson-on-you-bet-your-life.html

my next magazine subscription

http://blameitonthevoices.blogspot.com/2008/08/cheap-magazine-on-amazon.html

(Great reviewer comments)

the rescue

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/world/article.html?Parrot_fools_police_into_shining_armour-style_rescue&in_article_id=296424&in_page_id=64

Kids - Just Say No

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Drunk_man_filmed_in_epic_mission_to_get_home&in_article_id=296359&in_page_id=2

the cutting edge of detox

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/world/article.html?Heroin-addicted_elephant_leaves_rehab&in_article_id=294265&in_page_id=64

the chili challenge

http://www.crispyontheoutside.com/2008/09/03/debbie-armstrong-scoffs-at-your-weak-chilis/

dumb hedonists

http://www.appliancist.com/appliance_trends_2008/bordeaux-fireplace-by-muskoka.html

On the one hand, I will restate my affection for anyone coming up with ideas to relieve the stupid rich of their money. But as a professional hedonist, I'm rally appalled by this. First of all, artificial flames - yuck! And secondly, half your electric bill is going into attempting to heat the room, the other half is going towards trying to chill the wine against that onslaught! This reminds me of the old Steven Wright routine about placing a room humidifier opposite a dehumidifier and watching 'em battle it out.

Cthuugle - for all of your blasphemous searches...

http://cthuugle.com/en/

the human slinky

http://www.break.com/usercontent/2008/2/HalfTime-Basketball-Creighton-University-Omaha-Neb-457715.html

Surreal...

great street drumming video

http://ru.youtube.com/watch?v=A_hlVrFHE_A

cute octopi cartoon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaM9mrnOMJo

sticky note slinkies

http://www.heavy.com/video/58143#/channel/249120

Pretty neat video.

neat clocks!

http://www.holycool.net/2008/08/different-ways-to-tell-time-collection.html

how to make a magic lantern

http://www.infomercantile.com/-/How_To_Make_A_Magic_Lantern%2C_The_Book_Of_Knowledge

Cool stuff! I really wish I had the aptitude for this sort of thing. Old tech rules! Many years ago I heard about some dude who was building and reburbishing the old Edison cylinder players. He was even creating new cylinders to play on them. I thought it would be so cool to have one of these in my living room playing Sgt. Pepper or Purple Haze.

Happy Birthday Walter Koenig!

http://www.walterkoenigsite.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000479/

Happy Birthday to THE Lone Ranger!

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

http://nimst.tripod.com/cgi-bin/UC1.html

http://www.celebhost.net/claytonmoore/

One of my earliest childhood memories was watching Moore as the Lone Ranger.

Happy Birthday Fred "Sonic" Smith!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_%22Sonic%22_Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaR6Rh5H_vE

So cool....

Happy Holy Nut Day!

Scrambled Eggs...

Yesterday was released on this date in '65...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONXp-vpE9eU

Happy Anniversary to Grace Of My Heart

Premiered on this date in '96. A totally charming movie, (very loosely based on Carole King), and one of my faves.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116442/

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsetuT5XrwI

Happy Anniversary to The Muppet Show!

It premiered on this date in 1976. Great show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh_aG5MzPVM&feature=related

http://www.muppetcentral.com/

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

Grand Funk Railroad perform I'm Your Captain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkmh7k_lflA&feature=related

Pass the Mateus...

Carole King performs The Locomotion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikcM38Vfpno&feature=related

Classic...

The Temps perform Psychedelic Shack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nORVtMe8wVU

The Emperors of Soul...

Inkubus Sukkubus video for Wytches

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2D6C2IC1U0

I love this band....

Savoy Brown perform Hellbound Train

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySBJK4CAWLU

cool....

Steppenwolf perform Monster

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

Great stuff!

Spooky Tooth performs That Was Only Yesterday

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

Nice sound...

Brains.....

http://ihasahotdog.com/2008/09/12/funny-dog-pictures-noes-dey-got-frank/

Smoke For Your Health!

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1033631.html

The "T Zone"....

the cutting edge of revenge...and Internet business opportunities...

http://www.revengecrabs.com/

The JFK assassination - Solved

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/09/11/tonya-harding-shot-j.html

and nanotchnology VS tumors

http://www.physorg.com/news140411034.html

Another incredible concept. Does anyone remember Fantastic Voyage?

witness for the prosecution

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/2775597/Dog-appears-as-witness-in-murder-trial.html

I want this...

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/09/11/wacky_toaster/

I've always wanted to read my morning toast...

the cutting edge of working your way through college

http://magazinely.com/weird/virginity-on-auction-at-brothel

nanopaint VS bacteria

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120996.php

Pretty cool!

Playboy VS the Encyclopedia Britannica

http://www.pollsb.com/polls/view/2040838/you-are-stuck-in-your

I read Britannica for the photos...

The Strawberry Alarm Clock will be played at his funeral

http://www.komonews.com/news/archive/4139111.html

the tank museum

http://mnweekly.ru/travel/20080911/55345819.html

This would be so cool to visit...

mother of the year

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091103382.html

I ask you, who buys vodka for a 13 year old? Boone's Farm, now THAT'S for 13 year olds...

Montgomery County...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091103342.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091103235.html

This is rich, (and typical). Students now have to pay for their "public education" to pay dead beat polizei to go jogging....

Happy Defenders Day!

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

http://www.nps.gov/fomc

Happy Birthday H. L. Mencken!

http://www.mencken.org/
http://www.io.com/~gibbonsb/mencken.html

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/h_l_mencken.html

One of my faves.

Happy Anniversary to The Monkees!

Premiered on this date in '66. I always liked these guys.

http://www.monkees.net/default.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0FUvLfxyp0

The Reivers perform Almost Home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_-WP4AAy50&feature=related

I know, I keep posting these guys. That's because they deserve it. So beautiful. The Reivers aren't dead, just dreaming.... It's time to wake them.

http://www.myspace.com/thereiversofficial

Billy Ocean performs Love Really Hurts Without You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNDcY8vP63w&feature=related

Probably the greatest Motown song - that was never on Motown. Wonderful vibe.

Barbara Lewis performs Make Me Your Baby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEdpDo64f6Y&feature=related
One of the greats, and (unfortunately) one of the most under-rated singers of my generation. Barbara is a treasure.

The KBC Band perform America

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

I know Kantner can't sing, but I've always loved his stuff anyway. The tribes linger....

Julian Cope video for World Shut Your Mouth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa8gYL_SC9o

I always enjoyed this tune.

Dynamo Kiev

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/55771-the-death-match-dynamo-kiev-vs-the-nazis

A very interesting footnote of WWII. The ultimate soccer team.

Only 50 Days Till Halloween....

Happy Anniversary to the Carol Burnett Show!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061240/

http://www.tv.com/The-Carol-Burnett-Show/show/1069/summary.html

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

Premiered on this date in 1967. Wonderful show.

Happy Anniversary Danger Man!

Here in the States, it was called Secret Agent. Premiered on this date in 1960. One of my fave TV shows...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058846/

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

Patriot Day is today

The Western Enlightenment builds skyscrapers and jet aircraft. The moslem world fly jet aircraft into skyscrapers....

Hello Ringo!

Ringo replaced Pete Best on this date in '62.

proto-life

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/09/biologists-on-t.html?npu=1&mbid=yhp

Pretty amazing stuff!

Kitty Wigs....

http://kittywigs.com/FAQ.html

Once again, I stand in awe of anyone who can separate the wealthy from their money...



(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

I am going to breathe in nothing but sulfur hexafluoride from now on!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=d-XbjFn3aqE

That is sooo cool!


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Off with his head!

Mike was beheaded on this date in 1946...

http://www.miketheheadlesschicken.org/

Happy Birthday Raymond Scott!

http://raymondscott.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbR6YZs8hqs

Genius. Essential. An American original.

an interesting footnote about Denmark in WWII

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4692217.ece

I've not heard of this attempt before.

don't mettle with metal...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2687985/Woman-who-turned-silver-warns-of-dangers-of-internet-medicines.html

the cutting edge of assault

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2704312/Burglar-held-for-spice-and-sausage-attack.html

Call of Cthulhu on iPhones!

http://www.wargamer.com/article/2550/cthulhu-calls-iphones

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

Imagine...

Was released on this date in '71...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOkxRLzBf0

Happy Birthday Otis Redding!

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

http://www.otisredding.com/

One of the Immortals.

Happy Birthday Doug Ingle!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Ingle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33k9pRTfo2I

Happy Teddy Bear Day!

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

Happy Anniversary Star Trek

Premiered on this date in '66...

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/index.html

Happy Birthday Sid Caesar!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0128377/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Caesar

Another comedic genius.

Happy Birthday Peter Sellers!

http://www.petersellers.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000634/

Genius.

Happy Birthday Buddy Holly!

http://www.buddyhollyonline.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Holly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhgO8rZs1Fg

One of the Immortals. Essential.

Happy Birthday Ronnie Gilbert!

http://ronniegilbert.com/

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

Happy Birthday Chrissie Hynde!

http://www.myspace.com/thepretenders
http://www.pretendersarchives.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7Hy7uAb_eU

Happy Grandparents Day!

nice little article on one-hit wonders

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/05/AR2008090503750.html
(Thanks for the link, Edmund!)

Happy Birthday Lafayette!

http://www.marquisdelafayette.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_du_Motier,_marquis_de_La_Fayette

One of the greats.

Happy Birthday Max Schreck!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0775180/

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

Nosferatu....

Happy Anniversary to the Phantom of the Opera!

A great film. Premiered on this date in 1925.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera_(1925_film)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0016220/

the "autonomous" helicopter

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902171117.htm

The Cutting Edge of Tetra Min

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2679316/Murderer-to-be-turned-into-fish-food.html

DC traffic...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/04/AR2008090402352.html

People will do anything to get in my way....

Happy Birthday Al Stewart!

One of my faves. Brilliant lyrics.

http://www.alstewart.com/

http://www.things.org/music/al_stewart/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv5qLEYoSHM

Happy Birthday Bob Newhart!

http://www.bobnewhart.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0627878/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aIi08pQtAQ

Genius. Essential.

Happy Anniversary to Second Hand Lions!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0327137/

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

Premiered on this date in 2003. A wonderful movie.

Bruce performs Thunder Road

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-hF_QrvfR0

Painful truths and memories....

The Stones perform Wild Horses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFjzAIrN1GI&feature=related
Another perfect song. Bedrock.

The Supremes perform Stoned Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mohVkuoIQ4E&feature=related

I know that I've written about this in the past. One of my faves. A perfect pop/soul song, and perfect for driving to late at night on some empty blacktop at 80mph. It's just wonderful.

Eddie Rabbitt performs I Love A Rainy Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ1GQFtHGxU&feature=related
I always liked this tune...

video for Otis Redding's Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzrXc68gNjQ

As many of you know, my mother in law passed away a few weeks ago. One thing she always enjoyed was Otis Redding's voice. I must admit to being amused by this little old British lady waxing eloquent over an American R&B singer. But she was quite right - Otis was the best. This one's for you, Muriel. RIP for both you and him.

Al Stewart performs Time Passages

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOy1QJT1Zfk

I've read that Al doesn't think much of this song, which is too bad - it's one of my faves. I always play it in the Fall. It reminds me of this time of year in '78 and those of you who were around then...

The Rubik's Cube Robot

http://tiltedtwister.com/

the continuing Chinese menace....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/02/AR2008090202883.html

the dangers of Renaissance Fairs...

From today's Post:

Boy Injures Eye With Skewer
A 10-year-old boy injured his eye at the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville on Sunday when he accidentally stuck himself with a skewer, Anne Arundel County fire officials said.
Lt. Frank Fennell, a county fire spokesman, said the boy, who was eating "steak on a stake," pulled the wooden skewer out of his mouth and stuck the skewer in his eye.

What a rube....

We Believe In Fairies!

http://gizmodo.com/5042656/icelands-ragnarokkin-new-opera-house-designed-to-be-elf+friendly

class snobbery goes a long way back in Britain....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2655187/Stonehenge-was-hidden-from-lower-classes.html

The Truman Show Syndrome...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/30/arts/truman.php

Fortunately, my trusty aluminum foil hat protects me!

military ray guns update

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09/03/northrop_jhpssl_two_chain/

ancient aircraft?

http://www.world-mysteries.com/sar_7.htm

a murder most foul...

http://mysterytopia.com/2008/09/japanese-police-get-fooled-by-mannequin.html

It Was The Third Of September...

Today is the date referred to in the Temptations' Papa Was A Rolling Stone...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwUS9yjFYy8

Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Paris

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/ar/14313.htm

http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/milestones/paris/

One might argue that today is the true Independence Day....

the cat nut...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypMl2RFTC9Y&eurl=http://holy-cuteness.blogspot.com/

someone is building the Myers House...

http://www.myershousenc.com/blog/index.htm

sometimes you feel like a nut...

http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20080831-85105.html

the nutmeg threat...

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/story.html?id=c12e1890-3b2b-4ca5-add7-001ce38a413b&k=96800

Happy National Beheading Day!

Happy VJ Day! (official date)

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

http://www.otr.com/vj.html

The Zodiac Killer Found?

http://cbs13.com/crime/zodiac.killer.kaufman.2.805799.html

The Guoliang Tunnel

http://crazy-pla.net/2008/08/guoliang-tunnel.html

2008 Friends of Old-Time Radio Convention coming up

http://www.lofcom.com/nostalgia/fotr/

The Return Of The Reivers!!!!!

http://thereivers.net/home.html

Right Or Happy it is....

The Eldritch Dark - a plug

http://www.eldritchdark.com/

As many of you know, I am a big fan of high and dark fantasy literature. And one of my fave authors in that genre is Clark Ashton Smith. The Eldritch Dark is a wonderful site devoted to him and his works. It's a real treasure.

MST 3000 Catchphrase t-shirts!

http://www.cafepress.com/MST3KPhrases

The Master would approve....

Happy Labor Day!

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Labor_Day.shtml
We can talk about September 21st and the Fall Equinox all that we want to; every kid knows that TODAY is the last day of Summer. And as much as I enjoy Fall, (and particularly Fall weather), there is something almost nostalgically depressing about the end of Summer, and feeling the steely grip of school reaching out for me, (even if it's only a decades' old memory and jerk-reaction). For many, Labor Day represents a day off, perhaps a cookout or a last minute visit to the beach, with Jerry Lewis blubbering in the background on the tube; for me, it has always symbolized a return to regimen, made slightly more palatable by the growing shadows and mysteries of Autumn.
As always, I am a creature of habit and ritual. And there is a song that came out in the Summer of '69 that's one of my all-time faves, by Sly and the Family Stone, that I have played every Labor Day since then. It captures the moment for me. Enjoy.

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


Here are a few more songs for this time of year...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ88V1PFXH0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Hryc5t2wQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN1_3zHjhW8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7F9Mv1Ww3s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e1TZ9Sin4o