Weirdness: July 2009

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Ashes_urn_shaped_like_a_human_head&in_article_id=712809&in_page_id=2

Well, I admit I'm totally creeped out...

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

my next boat...

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/07/29/yacht.killer.whale/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

It's between this and a working duplicate of Capt. Nemo's ramming submarine. Oh yea, and I need sharks with lasers...

Paul Roland performs Alice's House

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAejuX9TaM8

Another one of those great artists that you've never heard of. Absolutely brilliant - one of my faves - equal parts of Syd Barrett, Al Stewart, Robyn Hitchcock, and Charles Fort. I love this guy's work, and he's very nice to his fans.

fanvid of Spirit performing Dark Eyed Woman

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

Perfect song for this time of year and this time of night. Reminds me of parties in '76. Er, well, if I could remember anything from those parties it would remind me of them...

Susanna Hoffs & Mathew Sweet cover Different Drum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRO5ZZuJGYI&feature=related

Nice version.

fanvid of the Electric Hellfire Club covering Highway To Hell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22ePhgEtSao&feature=related

Great and under-appreciated band.

McGuinn, Clark & Hillman perform Don't You Write Her Off

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_ORWRLy_n0&feature=PlayList&p=B04EC57F317B5A60&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=8
I always enjoyed this tune.

The Prelinger Archive

http://www.archive.org/details/prelinger

I'm ashamed to say that I just found out about this ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL archive of American propaganda, training, commercial and just plain weird films. This is a goldmine! I plan on devoting my entire life to plying through its mysteries. (It includes the classic - Date With Your Family!)

(Thanks for the link, Karl!)

shop till you drop

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/8173271.stm

Chanel No. 999

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5937509/Strong-perfume-hospitalises-34-in-Texas.html

the Bulgar Nymph cult is discovered!

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=106206

I'll alert Bilbo...

Rorschach Shock!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/jul/29/rorschach-answers-wikipedia

I never had more than a very limited faith in this method. It struck me as being akin to a double action form of divination. First, the subject had to interpret the pictures, (which would be heavily influenced by experience and upbringing, etc.) and then the doctor would have to interpret the subject's words. I think there can be great value in this method - if the two participants jibe. But then, I've always thought that Tarot or the I Ching would be just as good, and probably better. (There's a doctoral dissertaion waiting for someone to explore that angle further, I'm convinced).

Beluga Empathy?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5931345/Beluga-whale-saves-diver.html

The best motorcycle event ever - hands down!

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25853371-5013016,00.html

"Bravery" Show, huh? It's interesting how so many people mix up the definition of that term with "Stupidity".

long teaser clip for the new Prisoner show

http://www.bscreview.com/2009/07/sdcc-9-minute-preview-of-amcs-the-prisoner/

I agree with the guy who posted this - it looks kinda boring. I think one problem is that Patrick McGoohan was so perfect for the part - a blend of intelligence and fierce, even violent, determination. I have some theories about this new production's take on #6 and the general plot, but want to wait until I've seen a full episode to write about them.

the park

http://failblog.org/2009/07/29/provincial-park-fail/

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

just another day with Metro!

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1729086

Sacrilege!

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,635113,00.html#ref=nlint

(Thanks for the link, Rick!)

Wild Thing!

Hit #1 for 2 weeks starting on this date in '66.

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

So cool...

the love that dare not speak its name

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IG4kceZBWA&feature=related

The Quick Brown Fox...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00E_LVo_aTo&eurl

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

neat game!

I was just watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain featuring a visit to Buffalo and they featured a bar where a Belgium game called Feather Bowling was played. It looked really cool! Sort of seemed like a more challenging version of bocci. I can't believe it's not caught on elsewhere.

Poe inspired art work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AT0b1gVRIE&eurl

Cool stuff!

Dylan performs Lay Lady Lay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E68Hy5DXbo

Interesting version of a great song.

Fats Domino performs I'm Walkin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DKG8Imx5kI

A Classic by one of the Immortals. Essential.

The Beat Farmers perform Baby's All Liquored Up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G9H1mZBULw

An incredibly murky video of one of my fave songs by one of the greatest rock'n'roll bands - ever. When my cousins and I get together for a reunion, this is our theme song. Classic, and classy, lyrics. Cousins Renice, Rob, Lynnae and Nanette - this one's for you!

fanvid for Ananda Shankar performing Streets of Calcutta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpJK6TQi-70

I've been listening off and on to this guy for about 35 years, always liked his stuff. Nice fusion of Indian and Western pop.

save your blue M&M's

http://news.aol.com/health/article/blue-mandms-help-reduce-spine-injury/591604

One month until the Maryland Renfest!

http://www.rennfest.com/index.php

nice story on Ed Walker

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/28/AR2009072802846.html

A local legend. One of the great radio personalities.

The Robot Revolt Begins!

http://www.thelocal.se/19120.html

I'm stocking up on Red Pills, and rereading all of my old issues of Magnus, Robot Fighter!

Happy Birthday Patti Scialfa!

http://themave.com/Powell/

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

http://www.myspace.com/pattiscialfa1

Happy Birthday William Powell!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001635/
http://themave.com/Powell/

One of my faves.

Happy Birthday Maria Ouspenskaya!

Great character actress.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0653642/

http://www.monsterzine.com/200107/granddames.php3

nice article on the supposed "comeback" of the theremin

http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/browbeat/archive/2009/07/27/the-theremin-s-making-a-comeback.aspx

I'm not sure half a dozen tracks out of a million recorded counts as a "comeback"...

Strange items left in hotel rooms

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/5919314/The-strangest-items-left-in-hotel-rooms.html

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

Jacko - a dimaond in the rough

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/5922582/Michael-Jacksons-hair-to-be-turned-into-diamonds.html

edjewkashun

http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20090725/WRT0101/907250618/1982

Pluto Strikes Back!

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327181.600-is-pluto-a-planet-after-all.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

nice article in the NYT about how robots are going to kill us all

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/science/26robot.html?_r=5&hp

the suit that will never end - just another day in DC

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1727206

Cheese In Space

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8171728.stm

Truly, a great moment in scientific exploration.

Why I always keep an umbrella handy....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20090728/sc_space/couldearthbehitlikejupiterjustwas

Happy Birthday Phil Proctor!

http://www.firesigntheatre.com/albums/proctor.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Proctor

one giant leap for mankind....

http://blogs.discovery.com/news_space/2009/07/overwear-the-underwear-two-months-and-no-complaints-astronaut-says.html

The Manor Is, As Always, On The Edge

As I am typing this, it is pouring rain in the front yard, but there's only the slightest drizzle in the back yard. I am not making this up. And it is not a matter of tree cover or wind velocity/direction. This has happened once before, about 15 years ago when we lived on Woodbine Street, (an even smaller abode). Very strange.

a warning sign for our times

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/5910971/Bizarre-stick-men-safety-signs-posted-on-Flickr.html

I always try to avoid having an elephant stomp on my genitals. Just one of the many survival skills I've learned through a lifetime of brutal experience.

the new Queequeg luxury cruise line...

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/07/25/bc-cruise-ship-whale-impaled.html

ornithopters for the military

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32128989/ns/technology_and_science-science

Darwin Award Nominee...

http://www.kxly.com/Global/story.asp?S=10787954

Smart Tossing

http://www.dutchamsterdam.nl/707-amsterdam-smart-car-canals

the guide dog

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/8168311.stm

Very touching. A sweet story in a world in need of same.

more Tim Burton info

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/26/AR2009072602419.html?sid=ST2009072602443

the deposit box...

http://www.slate.com/id/2223484?nav=wp

Happy Birthday Gary Gygax!

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

True Gamesman.

Happy Birthday Bugs!

Debuted on this date in 1940 in "Wild Hare"

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JMmyHWO424

Heroic Fantasy Quarterly

A new ezine devoted to Sword & Sorcery

http://www.heroicfantasyquarterly.com/

make your own wine (in NoVa!)

http://www.vinthillcraftwinery.com/default.aspx

I'd be VERY tempted to try this, (if I had about $8000...).

Happy Birthday Mick Jagger!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_k2XPXOrhY

http://www.mickjagger.com/

http://www.rollingstones.com/home.php

What can you say, other than The Stones....

Happy Birthday Gracie Allen!

Wonderful!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0020555/

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

Happy Birthday Darlene Love!

http://www.darleneloveworld.com/
http://www.history-of-rock.com/darlene_love.htm

http://www.myspace.com/officialdarlenelove

One fo the great voices in the Wall of Sound.

Happy Birthday Peter Cushing!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001088/
http://home.earthlink.net/~mhoaglin/sfilm/artists/petercushing/

Nils Lofgren's commercial for Jhoon Rhee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7PEMGuA6tw

A local DC memory flogger - if you're a baby boomer around here, then you grew up with TV commercials for Jhoon Rhee's martial arts studios in the 60's and 70's. "Nobody bothers me" became a catch phrase. And another local legend recorded this version of Rhee's theme song. Classic.

The Supremes perform Stoned Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pk0d9y6X1Y

I've written about this before. Tough. You're gonna have to read it again...
One of the great Motown songs. Even after Diana left, the Supremes were a wonderful powerhouse of a group, and this is my fave by them. Perfect driving music. Almost impossible to sit here and listen to it while stationary. It's made for 70+mph.

video for the Clash performing London Calling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiVvA9YQpiI&feature=related

So cool. Purity.

Chris Montez performs Let's Dance

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

Fun stuff!

World Party's video for Ship of Fools

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdeIZkZo2PM&feature=related

Great song...

The Lovin' Spoonful performs Do You Believe In Magic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBVOYkhNb1o&feature=related

John and the boys are an almost painfully nostalgic reminder of the innocense of childhood for me. The magic of Rock'n'Roll...

The Count 5 perform Psychotic Reaction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODR6rGcluRs

Classic mid-60's proto garage psych.

Ian Hunter performs Just Another Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbTt9Ca8l3M&feature=PlayList&p=77398CFA6B909FAE&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=8

Great stuff from a Master. Pure rock'n'roll.

dealing with evil, the legacy of WWII

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1202005/The-Nazi-monster-recruited-MI6.html

What's interesting and tragic to me, and what may never truly ever be known for sure, is that I strongly suspect that these old monsters weren't worth it. There's little evidence of a successful British/American/nazi infiltration of the Soviet Union after 1945. All the battlefield evidence suggests that German infiltration of the Soviet hierarchy was pretty damn weak. Sure, there may have been some civilian stoolies in the conquered territories, but they'd be of little consequence in the great game of Cold War espionage. It was all for naught.
What may be in play had less to do with espionage and more in the rather naive faith in insurrection. It's well known that quite a few of the minority subjects of the Soviet empire were willing to work with and fight for Germany, once again a case of desperation or naivete guiding people's actions. This resistance was fierce at times and there were remnants after the war, (the Ukraine was not fully pacified until 1955!). I'm wondering if the that wasn't the cause for British and American collusion with nazism. These were men who had contacts with resistance groups in places like the Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Moldavia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, etc. We may never know for sure.

Vampire-Con 2009

http://www.examiner.com/x-17271-LA-Pop-Culture-Examiner~y2009m7d24-VampireCon-2009-The-worlds-first-vampire-convention

Happy National Day of the Cowboy!

http://www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com/

rice field art

http://www.rense.com/general86/stun.htm

Amazing!

(Thanks for the link, Margrete!)

Electrifying Sex!

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Nude_couples_outdoor_sex_session_cut_short_by_lightning_bolt&in_article_id=708892&in_page_id=2

Lou Christie predicted this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIu7aoC205s

Beeloved

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_3413014.html

the donation...

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2009/07/22/10223996-ap.html

Beer Temple

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaeluyttersp/with/2345006771/

Dylan Goes Electric!

On this date in '65 at Newport.

http://campus.queens.edu/depts/english/dylan_goes_electric_the_newport_.htm

Happy Birthday Walter Brennan!

One of the great character actors.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000974/

http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/Research/r_a_bren.html

Happy Birthday Henry Knox!

A real patriot. Perhaps the most under-rated and unjustly ignored leaders of the Revolution.

http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/knox.html

http://www.generalknoxmuseum.org/

http://www.history.army.mil/books/sw-sa/Knox.htm

Halloweddings...

http://www.halloweddings.com/

Home haunter site

http://www.homehauntnews.com/

nice site on Goth fashion and living

http://www.courtesanmacabre.com/

The Addams Family - the Musical

http://www.theaddamsfamilymusical.com/#/home

I hope this is good....

The Portland Pirate Festival! Arrrrr!

http://www.portlandpiratefestival.com/

Looks like great fun. We really enjoyed visiting Portland, looks like September is a good time to check it out.

(Thanks for the link, Carol!)

Withdrawal Syndrome

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2667215/190-000-withdrawn-in-20-bills

Happy Cousins Day!

http://blog.holidays.net/index.php/2009/07/24/july-24-today-were-celebrating-cousins-day-3/

The Ramones release Pleasant Dreams on this date in '81

One of my faves.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-4EZyPIsSY

Happy Birthday Lord Dunsany!

http://alangullette.com/lit/dunsany/
http://www.librarything.com/author/dunsanylord

One of the great fantasy authors, perhaps the best. Genius.

It's been a long week, full of frustration and sadness, and it's time to KICK OUT THE JAMS, MOTHERFUCKERS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocwZKIUH650&feature=related

See ya tomorrow...

The Georgia Satellites perform Keep Your Hands To Yourself

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Ur45vTtw0

Fun stuff!

Curtis Mayfield performs Gypsy Woman

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

Wonderful. Just beautiful. Probably the first funk ballad. Curtis is one of the Immortals. An American Treasure.

The Big Bopper performs Chantilly Lace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TcC_ni0ojo

Classic.

Boyce & Hart peform I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSMUtLHPH7Y&feature=PlayList&p=613C7B4246A72D53&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35

One of those near-perfect Top 40 tunes for mid 60's AM radio. This just sounds better on an old transistor radio with a tinny speaker.

Simple Minds performs Don't You Forget About Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhaHLoK3CF4

One of the best songs to come out of the 80's New Wave. Timeless.

Safety Graphic Fun!

http://juliasmexicocity.typepad.com/safetygraphics/

I'm still trying to find a "Cthulhu Crossing" sign for my driveway....

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Historical Tweets!

http://historicaltweets.com/

There's some wonderful stuff here, (if you're into history...).

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

My Life Is Average....

http://mylifeisaverage.com/

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Awkward Family Photos

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Classic.

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

interesting new (to me) software to protect privacy

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721113309.htm

I prefer to rely on unintelligibility to protect all of my messages.

the candidate

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32091491/?gt1=43001

the bacon game

http://www.mcphee.com/items/11952.html

From Archie McPhee, of course...

The Invisible Man

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?The_true_invisible_man&in_article_id=707605&in_page_id=34

Incredible!

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

The First Great French Military Victory of the 21st Century!

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/world/article.html?Bungling_French_army_shells_Marseille&in_article_id=708098&in_page_id=64

Woo Hoo! Marseille - CONQUERED! This'll at least provide the Army with some bragging rights, after what they've had to put up with from France's brave secret service....

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

The meat will be a little fresher in today's tacos....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/22/AR2009072203687.html?hpid=topnews

Happy Birthday Raymond Chandler!

http://home.comcast.net/~mossrobert/

Genius. Essential.

Happy Birthday Castle Keep!

Premiered on this date in 1969. The weirdest war movie that I know of.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064137/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh6-7IeK8KE

Joe Grushecky & The Iron City Houserockers perform Hideaway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fLrmkArjjg&feature=PlayList&p=D564062980A45CA3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=9

I'm a big fan of Joe's. In thier heyday, the Houserockers were a fantastic perfroming group. One of the best bands you've never heard of.

Eddie Cochran perofrms Summertime Blues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAdZ4ZgH7Tk

Brilliant, essential.

more on the midget wrestler murders

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8162991.stm

the name game

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5880036/Kelly-Hildebrandt-to-marry-Kelly-Hildebrandt.html

dating techniques

http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=250636

the cutting edge of Transformers fandom (and idiocy...)

http://russiatoday.com/Top_News/2009-07-20/Transformers_fan_drank_gasoline_to_gain_energy_.html

fast food - the extreme makeover

http://www.fancyfastfood.com/

RIP Gordon Waller

http://www.americansongwriter.com/2009/07/gordon-waller-of-60s-hit-duo-peter-and-gordon-dies/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfQFz2thIO0

Very sad. One of my faves.

(Thanks for the link, Linda!)

Dark Shadows film news

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/07/21/exclusive-tim-burton-says-dark-shadows-will-shoot-next-year/

Cool!

Help Save The Pristine Widlerness of Virginia's Route 1!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/21/AR2009072101807.html?hpid=sec-metro&sid=ST2009072102730
one can debate the various merits of Virginia selling off its ABC stores. I, for one, am always amused that the citizens of the Commonwealth consider drinking and gambling so evil that tax dollars should be spent monopolizing them. But the reason I posted this article isn't the debate on liquor sales for roads, but the objections of that silly old git, Potts, on page 2 of the article, arguing that liquor stores had ruined Route 1 in Maryland. Yes indeed! What a rampant eyesore and danger zone that is, as opposed to the trackless beauty and natural wonders of our own Route 1! I don't know where to begin in citing its many attractions - the transvestite hookers in Old Town, the endless grime-covered miles of run-down fast food dispensaries, gas stations, chop shops, and check cashing grottoes. Every parking lot is full of illegal immigrants sharpening their machetes for that night's Wild Hunt, vans selling rugs with matadors printed on them, and someone hawking electronics "real cheap" out of the back of a station wagon that's constantly moving. Yes, thank god the liquor store down there is state owned! I wouldn't want to ruin the neighborhood and bring in a bad crowd...

(I wish to apologize to my good friend Peter, to whom Route 1 was once a cherished home. The "Bates Motel" will live on in our hearts and in legend, Pete....)

Cane Fu!

http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=88785&catid=168

Can Walker-Jitsu be far behind? As for me, I shall continue to rely on my rapier wit, biting sarcasm and crushing cynicism to to slaughter any evil doer.

Only 100 Days Until Halloween!

Happy Spooners Day!

http://www.age-of-the-sage.org/quotations/spooner_oxford.html
http://www.fun-with-words.com/spoon_explain.html

Happy Birthday George Clinton!

http://parliamentfunkadelic.georgeclinton.com/
http://www.myspace.com/gclinton

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Clinton_(musician)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JbUP-skb7E

An American Original.

A GREAT article about Jack Vance

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/magazine/19Vance-t.html

One of my fave authors, absolutely magnificent writing.

Happy Birthday Robin Williams!

http://www.robinwilliams.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000245/

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3636435540043947603

Genius. Essential.

Nirvana VS Ric Astley

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=108327212421&h=ohEje&u=YVjM5&ref=nf

Tee hee!

(Thanks for the link, Marty!)

Halloween Supper

http://imakeprojects.com/Projects/halloween-supper/

the ulitmate moon pie

http://www.wkrg.com/national/article/massive-moon-pie-marks-40th-anniversary-of-moon-landing/196312/Jul-20-2009_11-07-am/

(Thanks for the link, Peter!)

Do Anything You Wanna Do

Was released on this date in 1977. One of my fave songs. Helped me maintain some scraps of sanity during those days.

http://www.eddieandthehotrods.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weQ4oNk7Pqc

Happy Birthday Diana Rigg!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001671/
http://www.dianarigg.net/

Happy Birthday John Lodge!

http://www.johnlodge.com/about.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzeFSItinOk

Happy Birthday Santana!

http://www.santana.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnamP4-M9ko

Happy Moon Day!

An amazing event. Really, an awesome achievement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMINSD7MmT4

RIP Tom Wilkes

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/tom-wilkes-graphic-designer-responsible-for-many-celebrated-album-covers-1746132.html

(Thanks for the link, Peter!)

some neat mazes

http://www.oddee.com/item_96667.aspx

John Cale performs Mercenaries

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CZ06Lq_mUw

I love this song. Military madness...

fanvid of Polly Brown performing Up In A Puff Of Smoke

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

A guilty pleasure, but it always sounded great on AM radio toolin' along Braddock Road at midnight...

fanvid of Bullett performing White Lies, Blue Eyes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGsNWU9XA5g

Always liked this song, and almost forgotten now.

Simon & Garfunkel perform Homeward Bound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI0enx_Jnqc

Great song.

Happy National Ice Cream Day!

Yum!

DIY winemaking

http://www.crushpadwine.com/

This has potential...

Sonar-Jamming Moths

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31950404/ns/technology_and_science-science/

Fascinating...

lizard gliding

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8150000/8150333.stm

Cool!

Alert Captain Nemo!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8155417.stm

even the gnomes are nazis in Germany....

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.93685cbbb35b4ca2126257946859909f.391&show_article=1&catnum=0

Easter Island Caves

http://www.santiagotimes.cl/santiagotimes/index.php/2009070616624/news/cultural-news/experts-discover-six-kilometers-of-caves-in-easter-island.html

Cool! My Father was able to visit Easter Island back in '67, before it was opened up to tourists and he really loved and was fascinted by the place.

more on the Colombian hippo hunt

http://news.stv.tv/oddly-enough/109372-colombia-calls-off-hunt-for-drug-lords-hippo/

Jurassic Park?

http://www.discoveryon.info/2009/07/organic-molecules-found.html

Charge It!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31920273/ns/us_news-weird_news/

ONLY 10,000+ people were charged a quadrillion dollars. Ha! Great software testing, Visa!

some plugs for some old friends and acquaintances

In no particular order...

My friend Mariela makes baby slings. Now, as I've written in the past, I think she's got the whole idea about slings wrong. But if you wanna carry them, (rather than hurl them at Greek hoplites), I'm sure her products are perfect: http://mamaisling.com/default.aspx

And for those of you who can't imagine me in a sarong - well, you'd be right. I can't imagine it, either, (besides, I suspect that such a sight might violate some sort of bio-warfare treaty we have with the Russians). However, if I ever do decide to take up sacrificing virgins to the volcano god, rest assured I'll be doing so while fashionably attired in my friend Tony's wares at: http://www.fairwindssarongs.com/. As to where to purchase virgins, I'm still searching...

DC is blessed with several great songwriters and performers, and my friend Karl Straub is one of the best. His old band, The Graverobbers, were one of my all-time fave groups and released several excellent albums. And Karl continues to write, perform and grow as an artist. Do yourself and check him and his recordings out at: http://www.karlstraubmusic.com/

My friend Ralph runs one of the best restaurants in the region. Laporta's is located on the West end of Old Town and features what I'd describe as traditional and nouveau Italian cuisine. The calamari are to die for at this place. The best I've ever had and you are required by law to order some when you visit. In the past, I've also mentioned that Ralph is one of the most vicious and treacherous players of the game "Diplomacy" who has ever lived. Be sure to order a table with a chair in the corner, and watch your back...

Stella Schindler is another old comrade from my days in the record store biz, and she's been making great music ever since. Her latest album is wonderful, I'd describe it as Appalachian Gothic. Check it out.
http://www.myspace.com/stellaschindler

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stella-Schindler/70210123791#/pages/Stella-Schindler/70210123791?v=wall&viewas=851809559

Another old friend from my record store daze is Erik Quick, a Jazz Guru of the first order, and writes a wonderful series of music and performance reviews at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/contrib.php?id=2547 . They're absolutely essential reading for anyone interested in jazz in our region.

Yes, we're all interested in money. But my friend Doug is REALLY interested in it, and runs a museum devoted to filthy lucre. You can check it out online here: http://www.money.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ExploretheWorldofMoney/MoneyMuseum/default.htm or visit it the next time your in Colorado Springs. All I know is that I need to get Doug into a game of poker...

Another old friend from the record store, Treiops is an artist and musician, encompassing beauty and an in-your-face style. His work can be seen at: http://www.treiops.com/art/index.html

Another artist is my friend Frank Sharp, who paints beautiful landscapes. His work can be seen at: http://www.imagekind.com/GalleryProfile.aspx?gid=03279db5-210d-4925-b58e-49fd1921d009.

My cousin Sean is a budding film maker. His style ranges from comedy to the deeply disturbing, (he is my cousin, after all...). Some of his work may be found at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=epifanatic

My old software testing boss, Scott, got into a totally new line of work. And this may be the wildest posting here: Wingsuits! If I'm ever pushed out of a plane, (and I know that's what some of you are thinking...), I hope to have one of these thingies with me. Be sure to check out the videos: http://www.thebrothersgray.com/

And yet another record store refugee, my friend Jane is a painter and photographer and her beautiful work may be seen at: http://www.janebuscher.com/

Brian is an old workmate of mine who is in several local cover bands, including Smoke'n'Mirrors and Hit By Pitch. His emphasis is on the 60's, an era in which he is a Trivia Master, so of course I'm a fan. He plays all around NoVa and I encourage you to check him out, more info and his schedule can be found at: http://www.mrmcmahon.com/index.htm

Another old workmate, Don makes beautiful cork boards. Of course, to do so, one needs lots of old wine corks. I've devoted my life to trying to increase the supply. Check out his wares at: http://www.geocities.com/winecorkart/

Andrew is yet another member of the record store diaspora, and he's now one of the main guys running our own City Paper, an essential part of the DC scene and a wonderful source for the never ending soap opera of our (real) mayor, Marion Barry. Essential reading for anyone in this region. http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/

Happy Birthday Hunter Thompson!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson

One of my faves. Essential.

Happy Birthday Martha Reeves!

http://www.missmarthareeves.com/
http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Martha%20Reeves.html

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

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

Happy Birthday Dion!

http://www.diondimucci.com/
http://www.history-of-rock.com/dion_dimucci.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Av0rDRLnw

Happy National Caviar Day!

Yum!

sad days

Like so much else, government contracts have their advantages - and their disadvantages. One of the latter is if the contract gets cut. The little crew I work with just got halved and three of my compatriots, through no fault of their own, got laid off this afternoon*. And in this economy, that's not a good thing. I've been on the wicked end of this type of thing three times in my life, and it's always terrified me. On those past occasions I could kind of see it coming, but this layoff came up suddenly and with no warning, caught all of us by surprise. We live in perilous times. I hope the rest of you are able to ride this recession out.

*If any of you are techies in NoVa who know of open positions in your firms for testers, QA or IV&V, please let me know and I'll pass the info along. Thanks.

RIP Walter Cronkite

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090718/ap_on_re_us/us_obit_walter_cronkite

Fashion

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1249017.html

I actually remember this little number. There was a young lady in one of my high school classes, (long since forgotten), and this was a regular with her. Not to be overly cruel, but she (honestly) must have weighed at least 350 pounds and had sideburns befitting a civil war general. This has all just come back to me after 35+ years of blissful forgetfullness.

possible upset in DNA knowledge

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715131449.htm

a little WWII footnote about the "nazi king"

http://uk-tv-guide.com/pick-of-the-day/16-7-2009/documentary-britains-nazi-king-revealed/

Well, the royals are German, after all...

so much for the old adage about rocket scientists being smart

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090716/ap_on_sc/us_sci_moon_video

Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, unbelievably fucking dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb. I am reminded of Steely Dan - "the things you think are useless I can't understand."

make jokes and get a government contract!

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=3014e950a92dbb0f7e066f9e088a301f&tab=core&tabmode=list&cck=1&au=&ck

Happy Wrong-Way Corrigan Day!

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Explorers_Record_Setters_and_Daredevils/corrigan/EX16.htm

Happy Birthday James Cagney!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000010/
http://themave.com/Cagney/

One fo the Immortals. An American original. Essential.

Creepy Magazine Is Back!

http://www.creepyuniverse.com/

Woo Hoo! One of my faves. My brother and I would devour these in the early 70's. Great stuff. First rate horror.

the robot that feeds on the dead...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,532492,00.html?test=latestnews

I believe there's another horror movie in this idea...

Happy Birthday D.C.!

http://www.dc.gov/

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/

Started up on this date in 1790. My hometown...

"If you take out the killings, Washington actually has a very very low crime rate."

Marion Barry, Mayor For Life of Washington, DC

dog days

And here we are in mid July. It's hotter than a whore on nickel night here at the Manor. We've had quite a crop of fireflies this year, the Post has even written about it. And the bird population seems to be at an all-time high too, (our bird seed expenses are skyrocketing). One just sits back and watches the wheel turn. The time reminds me of so many activities of my youth, playing Kleeba in the old neighborhood, parking behind St Agnes school and drinking cheap wine, watching movies at the old Star Drive In, parties in my friend Cliff's parent's basement, catching frogs in the ditch behind my cousin Dolores's house, canoeing out at Fletcher's Lock, crab feasts at Ernie's, last call at the Cafe de Paris in Gtown, concerts at the Cap Center, catching Rocky Horror at the Key, birdwatching with the North Ridge Birdwatchers Association, avoiding brawls at Clancy's, going out for banana splits with my Dad, flying kites on the Mall, listening to Cousin Duffy play the hits on 'PGC, jogging with my friend Ken, Millie driving all of us kids up to 7/11 for a Slurpee, hanging out in my cousin Marshall's basement room listening to Cream and the Doors, going with Linda to feed the ducks at Green Springs Park, blasting down Braddock Road at midnight, and a hundred other cells of memory. I hope you have some pleasant memories of this time of year, and I hope you create some more. As for me, I'm gonna get another bourbon, see ya tomorrow.

BBQ & Foot Massage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPkMUU9tUqk&NR=1

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

a little article about the military's "ear in the sky"

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htecm/20090715.aspx

the cutting edge of drinking and driving

http://www.coolerscooterdirect.com/

I believe there's a monster movie in all of this

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/environment/story/71842.html

Chinese "doctors" attempt to act like ducks

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-07/14/content_8426874.htm

Sigh, it's called aversion therapy. I'll hurt you - hard, if you behave in a certain way. And I'll keep doing it until you stop doing the behavior.

the cutting edge of sorbet preparation

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Chef-In-Germany-Blows-Of-Hands-In-Liquid-Nitrogen-Explosion-In-Heston-Blumenthal-Style-Experiment/Article/200907215337490

Happy Birthday Ian Curtis!

Another dark genius. And another Essential. In my DNA....

http://joydivision.homestead.com/

http://www.joydiv.org/iancurtis.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKe-lq8VZFo

Happy Brithday Roky Erikson!

Mad genius. Essential.

http://www.rokyerickson.net/

http://www.rokyerickson.com/

http://www.myspace.com/rokyerickson

Alert Ah-Nold!

http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/13072009/5/naked-man-casino-terminator-0.html

Happy Birthday Woody!

http://www.woodyguthrie.org/
http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/woody-guthrie

http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/3448/guthrie.html

An American Original. One of the Immortals. Genius. Essential.

Ft. Hunt during the war

http://www.alextimes.com/news/2009/jul/09/secret-wwii-operation-at-po-box-1142/

There've been a few articles on this over the past two years. A little bit of NoVa history.

the ol' switcheroo

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/4488464.Inquiry_launched_into_prison_escape/

near article on "flying primates"

http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2009/07/we_flightless_primates.php

Of course, some of us have been way ahead of the curve on this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJbjJetU_1k

the cutting edge of Olympic sponsorship

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article6691745.ece

apparently, I should be impervious to pain....

http://www.livescience.com/health/090712-swearing-pain.html

more proof that hitchhiking is dangerous

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/090711/K071102AU.html

The Human Shrub

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5793115/Human-shrub-vows-to-strike-again-and-again.html

colored bubbles

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31850431/ns/technology_and_science-science/

Pretty neat!

put your money where your mouth is

https://www.intrade.com/

(Thanks for the link, Frank!)

Time Warp!!!!

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/090709/K070911AU.html

Clearly, Canada is in danger of being overrun by Morlocks! (Actually, I believe certain areas of RoVa have already fallen to them...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKSN9DAV5HI

Cthulhu cocktail!

http://www.shesimmers.com/2009/07/grilled-octopus-cocktail-with-sriracha.html

Happy Birthday Roger McGuinn!

http://www.ibiblio.org/jimmy/mcguinn/

http://rogermcguinn.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAejkh4rTjs

One of my absolute faves, and one of the most influential American pop stars. Really amazing.

Happy Birthday Cheech Marin!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001507/
http://www.cheechmarinonline.com/

Happy Birthday Patrick Stewart!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001772/

http://www.patrickstewart.org/

http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/DS9/cast/69063.html

Chicago voters are inconvenienced

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/5789885/US-cemetery-workers-dug-up-bodies-and-re-sold-graves.html

a head's up about cabbies

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1198809/Horror-taxi-driver-decapitates-cab.html

I love the final sentence in this article. My understanding is that the rules for driving a cab in Britain are quite strict, and it's no wonder they want to ascertain this driver's legitimacy. The punishment can be quite severe - death.

the hippos of Columbia

http://news.stv.tv/oddly-enough/108079-drug-lords-escaped-hippo-sighted-in-colombia/

the cutting edge of missing dog solutions

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/8143103.stm

The Five Stairsteps perform O-O-H Child

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVF4r3fLBrU&eurl

It's a calm Summer morning here at the Manor, and this seems like an appropriate song by an under-rated group from my misspent youth. And by the way, I WANT that hat...

my next t-shirt...

http://shop.cafepress.com/design/16987118

Phil Ochs performs The Highwayman

http://www.casttv.com/video/uahufd1/phil-ochs-the-highwayman-video

Phil's one of my faves.

Happy Birthday Bill Cosby!

http://www.billcosby.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001070/

Genius. Essential. Those '60's albums still make me laugh.

Happy Brithday Christine McVie!

http://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/chris.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_McVie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW_cVAgmT28

Wonderful performer.

Happy Birthday Bucky Fuller!

http://www.bfi.org/

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

Genius.

The spirit of Ed Wood blogathon

http://frankensteinia.blogspot.com/2009/07/spirit-of-ed-wood-blogathon.html

Lovecraft meets Twitter

http://grimreviews.blogspot.com/2009/07/parody-hp-lovecraft-meets-twitter.html

Fun stuff!

nice article on Lovecraaft's influence on film

http://wp.modernfilmzine.com/2009/06/30/hp-lovecraft-influencing-a-new-generation-of-movie-makers-capturing-new-fans/

job description

http://www.fark.com/cgi/comments.pl?IDLink=4503394&tt=s

flags of forgotten countries...

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009/07/flags-of-forgotten-countries_06.html

unusual bookcases

http://dornob.com/category/furniture/bookcases/

new Nyarlathotep statue

http://www.sotatoysonline.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=71&products_id=246

The Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Convention coming up in August

http://www.midatlanticnostalgiaconvention.com/

Happy Birthday Bonnie Pointer!

http://www.thepointersistersfans.com/bonnie.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_Pointer

http://www.myspace.com/clubchickbp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGO56iae9BY

Happy Birthday Robert the Bruce!

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

Easter Island = Life Extension?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8139816.stm

Pretty neat!

Stanley Milgram Would Be Proud

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-hotel-prank-070809,0,5685745.story

Honestly, whenever I'm in an unpleasant or surreal situation that challenges my basic core behavior and beliefs, I just think about ol' Stan's experiments and that helps get me through...

Urine Powered Cars!

http://www.programmica.info/2009/07/pee-power.html

I always knew that beer would save the world. I guess this is going to put a whole new perspective on drinking and driving....

the cutting edge of being late for your dentist appointment

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090708/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_naked_dental_patient

a little something for the ladies...

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1238808.html

just another day in the District...

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Latest-Metro-Fail-Sleeping-on-the-Job.html

zzzzzzzzzzzz

wuss America

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07102009/news/regionalnews/biff__wham__pow__178573.htm

Okay, let's see, it's "illegal" for someone to walk around in a "costume" in New York City without a LICENSE!?!? Half that city is walking around in costumes! And what the hell is the definition of a costume, particularly in THAT town?!? And what happens on Halloween, or Purim, or Mardi Gras, or a Slipknot concert? What about the SalvationArmy, do their clanging legions of sidewalk Santas ALL have to purchase costume permits? What happens when the circus comes to New York City, (I realize I just typed out a redundant statement)? Do the clowns buy permits? It sounds like they just put on cop uniforms....
Sheeesh!

Abe Lincoln - Vampire Hunter

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/17/zombie-austen-lincoln-vampire

Wonderful!

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/hideous_man_beast_washes_up_on

This is a great take-off on many "Fortean" stories that pop up in the newspapers and on websites - things like the infamous Montauk Monster, etc.

the badger...

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE5683O720090709?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest

The University of Wisconsin will be proud!

Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla!

http://www.pbs.org/tesla/
http://www.teslasociety.com/biography.htm

One of the most interesting and mysterious geniuses.

Happy Birthday Arlo!

http://www.arlo.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsnUu71Viyo

The Return Of The Iron Cross

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmoral/articles/20090709.aspx

Nervous? Why, er, no, um, I don't think so....

Harry Nilsson on The Ghost & Mrs. Muir

http://bedazzled.blogs.com/bedazzled/2009/07/harry_nilsson_o-2.html

warm and snuggly death....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_yorkshire/8138031.stm

The Rolling Stones on the Red Skelton Show

http://20-248-e.onlinestoragesolution.com/spikepriggen/public/Stones%20on%20Red%20Skelton.mov

Classic - and so young!

(this might take a couple of minutes to load...)

We're #2! We're #2!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/07/08/DI2009070801796.html

We're just one malfunction on the Wilson drawbridge away from being #1 - I just know it!

Mayor-For-Life & just another day in the District...

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=37514

Happy Birthday Richard Roundtree!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0745780/

Shaft....

Happy Birthday Lee Hazlewood!

http://www.somevelvetmorning.net/
http://www.myspace.com/leehazlewood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb-SVPJM4L4

Genius.

Rock Around The Clock!

It reached #1 on this date in 1955.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsXKL5Bj0JM

just another day in DC - At least you're alive!

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2009/07/metro-operators-union-at-least-youre.html

Treason!

http://www.tmz.com/2009/07/08/oscar-mayers-funeral-wish-no-wienermobile/

(Thanks for the link, Pete!)

Land Warrior Technology in Afghanistan

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htinf/articles/20090708.aspx

The Viewmaster Movie?!?

http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/697170/Classic-Toy-View-Master-To-Be-Made-Into-A-Movie.html

I don't see any middle here. Either it's going to be surrealistically original, or unbelievably lame.

a new play on Poe

http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=3400

The Onion, Scrabble, And My Marriage

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/jilted_hasbro_ceo_laughs_coldly_as

As usual, The Onion is brilliant. Despite being a TRUE GAMESMAN of the first order, I stink at Scrabble, Chess, and most embarrassingly, Go. And Linda and I used to play Scrabble when first married, and she'd massacre me EVERY SINGLE TIME. She'd get triple point spreads on things like Xinjanthropus, Xenophobia, and Zoophagus, while I'd be laboring mightily to get "the" and "or". Vowels were rarer than hen's teeth when I'd get tiles, I can tell you. And most of my game scores could be counted with the use of no more than two hands. I still bare the emotional scars. We've not played in about twenty years, and I directly attribute the health of our marriage to that simple effort.

Oh....My.....God....

http://www.wtop.com/?sid=1713374&nid=456

This was one of my fave Smothers Brothers routines. They KNEW!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDonSwXPUZU

(Thanks for the link, Linda!)

Happy Birthday Marty Feldman!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001204/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaPZZJVDx6Y

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

Casey Kasem calls it quits

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070603492.html?referrer=emailarticle

Started listening to Casey's Sunday show almost as soon as it started up. He helped keep me in touch with Top 40 in the early 70's.

the original Risk boardgame is available again!

http://www.bettysattic.com/website/store/product_detail.asp?UID=2009070716001640&item%5Fno=55501&keyword=Risk&cat%5Fkeyword=&search%5Fpage%5Fno=1

The ONLY way to play this game is with wooden pieces....

Happy Birthday Ringo!

http://www.ringostarr.com/
http://web2.iadfw.net/gshultz/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZfAik7wP8U&feature=related

Happy National Strawberry Sundae Day!

Yum!

the fix-it man

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8136193.stm

The Replica

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8135000/8135844.stm

Fascinating...

The Replica

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8135000/8135844.stm

I'm Healed!

http://cbs13.com/local/michael.jackson.tree.2.1072797.html

Some people are such weenies....

NEAT-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.virginiacreepersmovie.com/index.htm

These guys are putting out a film on Virginia Horror Hosts, including Dr. Sarcofoguy, Sir Graves ghastly, the Bowman Body and personal fave Count Gore De Vol! This is so cool! Once this DVD is released you don't want to come over to the Manor, because I'll probably force you to watch this - repeatedly.

(Thanks for the link, Carol!)

Happy Birthday Jefferson Airplane!

One of my fave groups. Formed on this date in 1965. Genius. Essential.

http://www.jeffersonairplane.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1cfTMdjkYM

Happy Anniversary to A Hard Day's Night!

One of my fave movies - ever. Essential. Premiered on this date in London in '64.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058182/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Hard_Day's_Night_(film)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkKra3_pfBY

Happy Birthday Pat Paulsen!

http://www.paulsen.com/pat/

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

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-x4kWLUnorTU/pat_paulsen_editorials_smothers_brothers_comedy_hr_1967_68/

Happy Birthday Bill Haley!

http://www.billhaley.co.uk/

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5fsqYctXgM

Happy Birthday Jennifer Saunders!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766837/
http://www.jsaunders.alexicon.org/

Happy Birthday John Paul Jones!

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/jones.htm
http://www.history.navy.mil/bios/jones_jp.htm

Father of the American Navy.

Happy Birthday Daniel Morgan

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

http://www.patriotresource.com/people/morgan.html

A great patriot, almost forgotten today.

RIP Allen Klein

Often viewed as the biggest bastard in the music business. It'll be interesting to see how this affects his musical holdings. I, for one, would love to see much more of the Cameo/Parkway archives released onto CD. And lord knows shat early Stomes material he had squirreled away...

(Thanks for the notice, Pete!)

RIP Drake Levin

http://www.geocities.com/bratbear_51/index2.html

(Thanks for the head's up on this, Perry!)

the blob is identified, (maybe)

http://naturalplane.blogspot.com/2009/07/sewer-monster-confirmed-as-bryozoan.html

I didn't think it was tubifex worms...

The Mayor-For-Life and just another day in DC

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/05/AR2009070501056.html?wprss=rss_metro

Classic....

Happy Birthday to Earth VS The Flying Saucers!

Dates vary as to its actual premiere, but it was around this time. And I've always liked this film. Very cool special effects by the master, Harryhausen, wrecking D.C. Fun stuff!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049169/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_vs._the_Flying_Saucers

DC's newest attraction: Cheese Lincoln!

http://www.welovedc.com/2009/07/03/cheese-lincoln-is-real/

Glory glory hallelujah! His curds are marching on!

The Emergency

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1197319/My-hamsters-escaped-Police-fury-woman-dials-999-report-rodent-run.html

The Onion is brilliant...

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/39313?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

The Onion and Lawyers

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/29895?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

cool steampunk art

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009/07/spectacular-steampunk-art-update-part-2.html

The Cruise

http://www.somalicruises.com/

Happy Birthday Rube Goldberg!

http://www.rubegoldberg.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg

http://www.break.com/index/best_rube_goldberg_ever.html

An American origianl. Genius. Essential.

Happy Independence Day!

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html

http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqMryyZN4kE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgzruM7g24w&feature=related

a few tunes for early July

Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgloaS4NGyM

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ELfRL75vME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_O_wRuxu14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeRa3RtBiIU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwZJGp2K_KM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAtb65Z_bkA

the cutting edge of the credit crunch

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5621QI20090703?feedType=RSS&feedName=lifestyleMolt&rpc=22&sp=true

I'll Take What's Behind Door #4!

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE5623GD20090703?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough
I'd absolutely LOVE to play this!

the zeppelin jailbreak!

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE5623GN20090703?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough

Oh the humanity!

spare the shit and spoil the child

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/offbeat/070309_teacher_reprimanded_for_backpack_feces

salamander limb replacement explained

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/02/salamander-regeneration.html

Neat!

my aluminum foil hat protects me

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/07/court-to-defendant-stop-blasting-that-mans-mind/

interesting article on possible Chinese counters to US military technology

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2009/07/china-looks-to-undermine-us-power-with-assassins-mace/

the cutting edge of reality TV

http://www.topix.net/news/weird/2009/07/elderly-woman-calls-firefighters-to-extinguish-yule-log-image-on-tv

bacon flavored vodka...

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/07/03/bacon-flavored-vodka/

Balloon Burlesque

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/07/02/balloon-burlesque/

Cute!

the cutting edge of penis envy

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Man_with_two_penises_removes_one&in_article_id=695697&in_page_id=2

Interestingly enough, I believe that the Swingin' Medallions dealt with this type of situation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdDT8mO0rSY

The Wide World Of Sports

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/news/20090701p2a00m0na002000c.html

Justice

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ODD_SLOW_JUSTICE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-07-01-16-51-44

escalator fun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9dbFtYsu_w&feature=related

you just know that some kid's going to try this and get their head caught between the two hand rails and their brains will get squeezed out. Stay tuned, Darwin Award fans!

Around The World In 80 Pubs

http://www.worldsbiggestpubcrawl.com/D14-3-around-the-world-in-80-pubs-2011.html

So tempting...

rescue robots

http://www.dontpaniconline.com/magazine/government/miracle-rescue-robot

cool bikes

http://incrediblethings.com/lists/cool-concept-bikes/

Sixty Symbols of Astronomy & Physics Explained In Videos

http://www.sixtysymbols.com/#

Very cool!

futuristic movies timeline

http://danmeth.com/post/124593834/futuristicmovietimeline

Kinda neat!

bikini fireworks

http://www.thenewstribune.com/topstory/story/797583.html

Let the puns begin!

Robbery? No sweat.

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Cabbie_disarms_knife-wielding_mugger_with_deoderant&in_article_id=696903&in_page_id=2

if you want "safe sex", shutup!

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Sex_screams_lead_to_mistaken_attack&in_article_id=696848&in_page_id=2

and the silliness begins...

http://naturalplane.blogspot.com/2009/07/here-we-goconspiracy-theorists-claim.html

midget murders

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Midget_wrestlers_drugged_to_death_in_mugging&in_article_id=696068&in_page_id=2

Strange. This story reads like something out of the old Weekly World News.

just another day in the District

http://whyihatedc.blogspot.com/2009/07/potentially-terrible-news-metro-knew-of.html

Anniversary of the death of Jim Morrison

hard to believe it was 38 years ago....

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

Beginning of the Dog Days

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

What TV shows are aliens watching?

http://gizmodo.com/5306214/the-aliens-of-the-star-iota-horologii-are-just-watching-captain-kangaroo-now

This is so cool....

when fascist pawns whine

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/275226,moroccan-veterans-of-spanish-civil-war-spark-controversy--feature.html

Like most pro-fascists, the Arabs whine a little too loudly. The Moroccans were vicious soldiers, and hardly acted the part of enslaved conscripts, battling successfully in house to house fighting in the cities of Spain. In my humble opinion, these pigs should be shot....

interview with a Flying Tiger

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x89169427/Naticks-Joseph-Poshefko-93-recalls-days-as-a-Flying-Tiger

Those guys were heroes....

The Sewer Blob!

http://deepseanews.com/2009/06/creatures-from-the-sewer/

Tres weird. I am unconvinced that it's tubifex worms. I used to deal with those beasties all the time in my aquarium days, (they're quite common fish food), and I never saw/heard of some sort of collective blob colony like this.

the fireworks "war"

http://news.stv.tv/oddly-enough/106167-fireworks-spread-terror-in-war-weary-congo-town/

I am absolutely sure that the 4th of July we celebrated at my Uncle Harry's place on the Western Slope of Colorado in 1971 violated several arms control agreements this country had signed. It took dasy for the smoke to clear and the echoes to recede....

the genetic basis of schizophrenia

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701131309.htm

Fascinating. But I, retro dude that I am, still hold out the possibility of very early childhood development being a factor, (one theory I remember from my youth was of a visual stage of infant development that might be a factor). I've also always been curious about the whole EVP phenomena and how it might relate to the voices supposedly heard by so many schiz's. There's a lot of fraud out there, but some of the stuff I've heard was quite interesting, (I've only experienced it myself once - and it was VERY convincing that something intelligent was being recorded). I'd love to see what happens when one tape records the surroundings of a schizophrenic when they are claiming to hear voices. That'd be something....

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063001652.html?wprss=rss_metro
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063003886.html?wprss=rss_metro

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063001795.html?wprss=rss_metro

Weirdness

Friday, July 31, 2009

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Monday, July 27, 2009

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Friday, July 24, 2009

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Only 100 Days Until Halloween!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009