Weirdness: September 2009

Poco performs Good Feelin' to Know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYuHvvBd5H0

This band always reminds me of my beloved Colorado. The quakies will be turning a brilliant yellow now, I'd give anything to be there now.
See ya tomorrow.

fanvid of Nils & Grin performing White Lies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfmtIGZtAD8

Great song by one of DC's finest.

Chubby Checker performs Limbo Rock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApXPd4WSP24

Am not positive, but this may well be the first pop record I ever owned. Very stylish in the grade school dances.

fanvid for Ray Manzarek performing Solar Boat

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

It was many years ago in a galaxy far far away. I suppose one would call this a guilty pleasure, particularly given the fact that I am probably the only fan of this album, but I've always liked it, ever since it came out around those cloudy days of '74. Difficult not to remember the taste of cheap Scotch* in one's mouth when hearing this.

*It was around this time that my friend Edmund and I were regularly drinking a particularly challenging off-brand of Scotch called "Hundred Pipers". We believed that the name came from the number of Scotsmen it had killed. Still, it got one through the afternoon....

a quickie little article on one of my favorite places on earth - Lizard Head Pass

http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20090930/NEWS/909309992/1058

I hope to have my ashes scattered there after I die, (no rush...).

new beer and cider bar in DC!

http://www.churchkeydc.com/

Cool!

(Thanks for the link, Tom!)

There are about a dozen jokes/puns running around in my head right now...

Record Fanatics...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/arts/music/30private.html?_r=2&ref=arts

The cultural underground....

(Thanks for the link, Erik!)

the hitler mystery (apparently) is revived

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/27/adolf-hitler-suicide-skull-fragment

Sigh. And so it'll begin all over again, the rumors, the conspiracy mongers, the stories of Bolivan jungles, Antarctic fortresses, and whatnot. I know that the Berlin's collapse was a scene of hellish chaos, but I find it incredible that the Soviets and surving Germans can't provide a definitive and fact-based account of what happened to the most wanted, and probably most well-known, man of the 20th century - and his remains.

The Jewish Volkswagen

http://living.oneindia.in/automobiles/auto-news/2009/volkswagen-beetle-290909.html

Ah, the irony!

Happy Birthday Jasper Maskelyne! The War Magician.

A late posting, his birthday was actually yesterday. Maskelyne may not be the greatest magician who ever lived, but if you're a child of the Enlightenment, he may well be the most important one. Volunteering for the British Army in WWII, he used his skills and brilliance to help hinder Axis efforts to find and destroy Allied forces, ports ships, and(possibly) even the Suez Canal. There are still debates as to his importance, but I feel he did aid the war effort in a major, perhaps even crucial way, even if some of his claims were overblown.

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

the cutting edge of propaganda leafletting

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8282067.stm

Ron Howard films Lovecraft

http://www.ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=8756

Gothtober!!!!

http://www.gothtober.com/

Another fave of mine. Like a video version of an Advent calendar for Halloween. Each day features a new treat by a different artist. Highly recommended!

'Tis The Eve Of The Black Month!

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

Happy Birthday Marc Bolan!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XspsJACj8WY

http://members.cox.net/dregenold/marc/marc.html

Happy Birthday Marilyn McCoo!

http://www.mccoodavis.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marilyn_McCoo

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

vegetarian irony...

http://www.thesun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/2659216/Vegetarian-teenager-is-fitted-with-heart-valve-from-a-pig.html

Let's see. It's bad to eat animals' organs, but not to harvest them for body parts?

chicken shit bingo

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/09/28/chicken-sht-bingo/

Sounds cool!

multi-tasking

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/09/28/eats-shoots-and-eats/

great moments in drinking history

http://news.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&a=418248

http://www.topix.net/news/weird/2009/09/mans-face-set-on-fire-during-fight-over-beer

I Am Immortal

http://www.topix.net/news/weird/2009/09/alcohol-may-protect-brain-in-accident

What secret sign language do Germans use?

http://www.blameitonthevoices.com/2009/09/angela-merkels-favorite-position.html

Nanoo Nanoo!

The Afghanistan Peace Dove

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/09/27/the-dead-dove-of-peace/

Paintball Art

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/09/27/paintball-pop-art-marilyn-monroe/

Pretty cute!

RIP LSD

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE58R2HL20090928

http://horiwood.com/2009/06/12/julian-lennon-on-lucy-in-the-sky-with-diamonds-is-gravely-ill/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bk_OmVi0T4

(Thanks for the link, Perry!)

nice little article looking into the future of combat systems

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmurph/20090929.aspx

The Prisoner (the original) is online!

http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-prisoner-1960s-series/#

Absolutely Essential.

Minesweeper - The Movie

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/09/pandering-to-the-1834-set-ctd.html

Tee hee!

(Thanks for the link, Chris!)

new film documentary on Lovecraft

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=12012

new interview with David Ossman & Phil Austin of Firesign Theatre

http://www.firesigntheatre.com/podcasting/list.php

Happy Birthday to The Prisoner!

Debuted (in Britain) on this date in '67. My fave TV show.

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

http://www.retroweb.com/prisoner.html

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

Happy Birthday Jerry Lee Lewis!

http://www.jerryleelewis.com/
http://www.history-of-rock.com/lewis.htm

Amazon Women of the Ukraine

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/asgarda_new_tribe_of_women-warriors

Hmmm, looks more like a new photo calendar project. Who brings a scythe to a gun fight?

the cutting edge of Wall Street Journal Ads...

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1384611.html

an old ad created by Charles Addams

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1389034.html

DNA "telepathy"?

http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2009/09/the-dna-mystery-scientists-baffled-by-telepathic-abilities.html

Happy Birthday Janeane Garofalo!

http://www.janeanegarofalo.com/

Happy Crack Nut Day!

A wet autumn night

Ah, the trees are just beginning to turn here. Change and decay are well on their way. It's been an interesting week in an interesting season. Each day seems to add more weight and worry. Friends laid off, unemployment, illness, divorce, danger, and death. It's been decades since my involvement with the I Ching. But how I remember those underlying Yin lines. Unstable and unfortunate. Despair. Loss. Things fall apart. We need a soundtrack...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdodc1Eu1nA

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

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

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iip3yTTWVZI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bww2prhAWEA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bi5Oci3m3M

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

And so here we are - just running on, and running behind. See ya tomorrow.

Star Trek VS Drugs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB8cH25Uch0

new Dorian Gray movie

http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/doriangray/

Cthuugle

http://www.cthuugle.com/en/

Count Gore DeVol!

http://countgore.com/gore/

That Ghost Host with the Most, Count Gore is a DC fixture and creator of one of my fave websites. I particularly recommend monitoring his site at this time of year. Check him out for neat horror movie news, reviews, previews and interviews. Essential.

Once upon a time, your parents were cool...

http://myparentswereawesome.tumblr.com/

(Actually, some of these photos are pretty dorky...)

AMC's horror blog

http://blogs.amctv.com/horror-hacker/

Happy Ancestor Appreciation Day!

http://www.genalogy.com/

Happy Birthday Zacherle!

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

Happy Birthday Randy Bachman!

http://www.randybachman.com/

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

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

Happy Birthday Mr. Loaf!

http://www.meatloaf.net/
http://www.myspace.com/meatloaf

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

I always liked this guy.

Happy Birthday Thomas Nast!

Probably the most famous political cartoonist, ever. Creator of the modern image of Santa Claus.

http://cartoons.osu.edu/nast/

http://www.thomasnast.com/

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/Thomas_Nast.htm

Happy Birthday Sam Adams!

A great patriot, one of my faves and an essential person in the Revolution. Washington may be the Father of our country, but Adams was the Granfather.

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

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

En Garde!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8276243.stm

The librarian is being a bit paranoid, I think. Everyone knows that the most lethal weapon against them are yellow highlighter pens, as any fan of Goldfinger can attest.

Music Critics

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/09/25/2009-09-25_6_women_slapped_with_assault_charged_after_allegedly_beating_up_woman_for_bad_ka.html

DC firemen to be trained how to find and use fire hydrants!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/25/AR2009092502605.html?wprss=rss_metro

My hometown! The DC Government is little more than a research unit for The Onion.

Stay away from blackberries

It is traditionally believed in Britain that on this date, Satan urinates and/or spits on blackberries, making any picked after this time, inedible. Bon appetite!

Abbey Road released on this date in 1969

Wow! Forty years ago!!!!

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

Happy Birthday Bryan Ferry!

http://www.bryanferry.com/#/page_id=47/

Happy Birthday Gilligan's Island!

Premiered on this date in '64. A vastly under-rated linchpin in American pop culture. Remember - no one knows the words to the National Anthem, but everyone knows the words to the Gilligan's Island theme....

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

http://www.gilligansisle.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfR7qxtgCgY

A Rolling Broadside From HMS Victory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0Cn-btAkeI

And how it was prepared for:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2WdU3Zkeig&feature=related

Very cool!

(Thanks for the links, Dennis!)

Warning - There Will Be Absolutley Zero Movement In NoVa Tomorrow

http://dc.metblogs.com/2009/09/25/this-is-just-a-test-arlington-to-experience-mystery-mock-emergency-drill/

We...are....screwed. I don't know why they just don't raise the frigging Wilson Bridge, and have done with it.Yesterday, 66 had a backup over 22 miles long! They're probably still there! Only the gods know how many of those poor bastards have already died of dehydration or starvation out there. And now this.

DC's pants lawyer has competition

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCNN2446846220090925?rpc=44

justifiable homicide

http://blogs.app.com/saywhat/2009/09/25/mom-attacks-son-for-eating-last-pork-chop/

Halloween 1919

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxb7d1RhHsQI8Whn58Pa3Q2jyrabmbgIaJmywVvu5HvSJtj3bzDaf1r1NVDRB0odxc05fevrOjTT8Meh6vwt0JxIDwaE6JAnHs5-a3TSpYZ_BCRtKilm3n4qhBhICynawwDg6fw/s1600-h/LHJournalHal1919.jpg

Cool!

Stop It!

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/ReproductiveHealth/twins-conceived-weeks/story?id=8656369

I Think We're All Bozos On This Space Capsule...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/guy-lalibert-the-first-clown-in-space-1791127.html

Shiver Me Timbers!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/8273659.stm

Happy National One-Hit Wonder Day!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-hit_wonder

Happy Birthday Rocky Horror!

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

http://www.rockyhorror.com/

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

An, nights at the old Key Theater...

Superstar - The Karen Carpenter Story

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrAA6VMIPb0

A legend - finally available online. I had the opportunity to see an underground copy just as it was shut off from the public, (both the Carpenter estate and Mattel threatened major legal action). It's a dramatization of Karen's life using Barbie dolls, and in a weird twisted way, it works quite well.

just another day in the District

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2009/09/graham_chief_of_staff_arrested.html?wprss=dc

The Onion - Deliciously Wicked

http://www.theonion.com/content/opinion/my_living_nightmare_of?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

NeverEndingWonder Radio Is Online Now!

I cannot recommend this too highly: Three Internet stations playing tunes devoted to Halloween, Horror and the Occult. I listen every year and recommend you do likewise. The song selection is incredible.
This is essential listening.

http://www.neverendingwonder.com/halloween.htm

nice scarecrow photo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36421827@N08/3949605408/

endangering children as a marketing tool!

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1377808.html

futuristic computer concepts

http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/08/07/ten-futuristic-computer-concepts/

a beautiful library

http://atlasobscura.com/places/strahov-monastery-me

Must....control....envy.....

Jazz Dog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpuoO5hqAqA

If You Printed The Internet...

http://www.cartridgesave.co.uk/news/if-you-printed-the-internet/

the cutting edge of Swedish military challenges

http://www.thelocal.se/22228/20090922/

Ig Nobel Awards

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/6223831/Pointless-research-top-10-Ig-Nobel-award-winners-for-silly-science.html

Harvest Faire at Newport News

http://www.harvestfaire.org/

Trebuchet!

http://www.trebuchet.com/

Hey Jude

Hit #1 on this date in '68.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD3ovfZXO5Q

Happy Birthday Gerry Marsden!

http://www.gerryandthepacemakers.co.uk/

Happy Birthday Jim Henson!

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

http://www.jimhensonlegacy.org/

Genius. Essential.

Netflix Origami

http://www.netflixorigami.com/

a tribe that I don't want to ever belong to...

http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/09/22/topstory/dpt-emergency092309.txt

McNation

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/visualized_map_of_the_nearest_mcdonalds/#When:15:17:45Z

The Return of Spotted Dick

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/8270460.stm

The Onion...

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

most controversial magazine covers of all time?

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/09/the-most-controversial-magazine-covers-of-all-time/

Hmmm, interesting that only the U.S. is considered to publish magazines. I suspect a few foreign entries would be entitled to be included in such a list.

Flaming Crap

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/23/nxxfcmanure23/

a potential roommate?

http://www.blameitonthevoices.com/2009/09/seeking-zombie-proof-house.html

much-needed help for lobster fishermen

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=288480&sc=98

New (to me) prediction on immortality

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/6217676/Immortality-only-20-years-away-says-scientist.html

For more info on this and related research, I heartily recommend my old penpal, Infidel753's blog - both his entries and his links list.

Mmmmm - Bookmark....

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?WWII_book_has_bacon_bookmark&in_article_id=742067&in_page_id=2

toothpick art

http://www.montereyherald.com/living/ci_13392210?nclick_check=1

Pretty neat!

world's largest vacuum cleaner needed

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/23/2693643.htm?section=justin

the cutting edge of teaching gun safety

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MO_ACCIDENTAL_SHOOTING_MOOL-?SITE=MOCOD&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

I believe we have a Darwin Award nominee...

(Thanks for the link, Mike!)

Happy Birthday Bruuuuuce!!!

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

http://www.myspace.com/brucespringsteen

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

http://www.backstreets.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfzov0Cq90o

Tramps like us....

Happy Birthday Ray Charles!

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

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

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

What can you say - An American Treasure, Genius, Essential.

Happy Birthday El Santo!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo
http://www.wrestlingmuseum.com/pages/wrestlers/elsanto3.html

Happy Anniversary to Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid!

One of my fave movies. A Baby Boomer Classic. Essential.

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

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

Autumn...

It's a little weird - there are STILL a few fireflies around. I have never seen them so late. Nevertheless, it IS Fall here at the Manor, the days and nights are cooling down quite nicely, the evening's shadows are lengthening every day. We've got a good six to ten weeks now. To some it is a time of death, but to me, it is simply a time of transformation - and much more hospitable weather. One can now go outside without being literally raped by mosquitoes. It is Autumn at the Manor, the time when I think we look our best. And, (as usual), I am reminded of the past - hiking at Great Falls, the smell of raking and then burning leaves (it was legal, back then), watching for the turning of colors in all the foliage - and strolling through Old Town at night. This is when downtown Alexandria was at its height, shuffling down the cobblestones, kicking colorful leaves ahead of you, heading to Mason's Restaurant for a few at the bar in the basement.
The Fall is a time when one both looks with favor and fear upon the past and the future. It is a time of change, which can mean both progress and loss. The ancient Celts were quite correct in citing the last harvest as being a time when the dead come closest to the living, although I might argue that it is a psychological, rather than psychic, phenomena. We are at the border, in so many ways now at this time of year. At any rate, here are a few tunes for a mellow, yet mysterious, September evening...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U18E8gWzVM&feature=related

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9muzyOd4Lh8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1hkwmNV-gs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-KPGh3wysw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYjgh-znxB4

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMc8naeeSS8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8_FOQ7-P30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLMotU8Tu9E

See ya tommorow.

National Lampoon Radio Hour online!!!

http://www.eggcityradio.com/?p=376

Folks, this is Essential...

a nice little article on Born To Run

http://www.slate.com/id/2226603?wpisrc=newsletter

a steampunk haunted house

http://www.thirdrailprojects.com/news.html#steampunk

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival update

http://sheneverslept.com/newsandreviews/archives/340

Steampunk Halloween!

http://pumpkinrot.blogspot.com/2009/09/steampunk-halloween.html

Religious Prejudice!

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/jedi_tossed_out_of_supermarket_for_wearing_hood/#When:15:33:03Z

more info on wines for Halloween

http://bordeaux-undiscovered.blogspot.com/2008/10/halloween-wine-2008.html

new Velvet Underground singles collection release

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/new_box_set_of_velvet_underground_singles/#When:02:06:08Z

Dodge Trucks!

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/more_fun_with_subliminals_dodge_trucks_exposed/#When:19:21:16Z

new DVD's of Universal Pictures horror on the way!

http://www.zomboscloset.com/zombos_closet_of_horror_b/2009/09/a-universal-fall-of-fear.html

Proof - Being Old doesn't mean you can't live an active and productive life

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/elderly_man_strapped_to_oxygen_tank_robs_bank/#When:15:41:51Z

Only The Lonely...

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/for_that_hard_to_buy_for_narcissist_on_your_christmas_list/#When:12:44:22Z

neat Halloween doorknocker

http://www.zomboscloset.com/zombos_closet_of_horror_b/2009/09/shocker-door-knocker.html

Stones promo video for We Love You

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/the_rolling_stones_we_love_you/#When:17:54:05Z

Cool. I'd never seen this before and didn't know the story behind the song, (always wondered what the clanging prison door was about...).

just another day around the District

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092101261.html?wprss=rss_metro

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092103404.html?wprss=rss_metro

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092102168.html?wprss=rss_metro

It's always nice to come back home after a vacation and once again be amongst familiar surroundings.

Simoniz!

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1372883.html

so wrong...

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1373066.html

The Hoax Museum Blog

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/

my next t-shirt

http://www.roadkilltshirts.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=PW-0315-A8687C-DARK-SIDE

neat jellyfish

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8231000/8231367.stm

WWII, T-Force, and James Bond

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1214695/Hitler-s-rocket-scientists-shadowy-Army-snatch-squad--incredible-real-life-events-inspired-spymaster-Ian-Fleming-s-Moonraker.html

Another interesting tidbit from the war...

the unexploded bomb

http://www.sundaymercury.net/news/midlands-news/2009/09/20/birmingham-family-s-miracle-escape-from-world-war-2-bomb-that-could-have-devastated-the-city-66331-24731532/

An old and dear friend of my family happened to be a British bomb disposal expert during the war, (he is a quiet man, with nerves of steel). He told us of a very similiar story - a huge unexploded bomb landing by someone's house and everyone acting as if it was near-harmless, (when in fact it could have destroyed the whole block). I wonder if this is the same story.

the only nazi memorial in London

http://golondon.about.com/od/londonforfree/fr/GirotheNaziDog.htm

a strange little footnote

love is a many splendored thing

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8267649.stm

brain dead?

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/09/dead-salmon-responds-to-portra.html

Interesting little debate.

Happy Birthday Joan Jett!

http://www.joanjett.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAQXg0IdfI&feature=related

So cool...

Happy Birthday John Houseman!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002144/

Vous etes fucked

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1212940/Lost-translation-French-air-passengers-thrown-panic-faulty-announcement-says-plane-going-ditch.html?ITO=1490

The Diet Guru

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1212909/Revealed-The-obese-woman-whos-millions-extreme-diet-blamed-death-bride-be.html

The Orca diet....

alien being is a suspect

http://www.fark.com/cgi/comments.pl?IDLink=4632032&tt=s

I'm surprised the artist just didn't resort to crayons.

South Africa Declares WWIII !!!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/12/2683897.htm
Up till now, the War of Jenkins Ear has been one of my favorite wars, based upon causes. And we mustn't forget the Thirty Years War, which virtually depopulated portions of central Europe over the question of transubstantiation. I believe the original British assault on Zanzibar used an even sillier excuse, (officially), but for the life of me can't remember what it was, (the real excuse was that the Brits wanted to control Zanzibar...).
But now we have a new contestant - South Africa launches the Great Hermaphrodite Cheating War*. I bet the Warsaw Pact are kicking themsleves for not using this tactic in the Olympics 30+ years ago. So, gird your loins, (or whatever passes for them in South Africa). We go to WAR!

*Despite my rather smarmy posting, one has to admire a people willing to go to war against the entire world, for a sports trophy. "Plucky" doesn't begin to describe it. But I do feel it's only fair, (if anything with odds of 1,000 to 1 can be fair), that I have it on good authority that Michael Caine is still around, and I beseech my South African Brothers to reconsider their threat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1csr0dxalpI

Buy American!

http://www.theonion.com/content/radio_news/nations_wood_nymphs_unveil_0?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

Gumball 3000

http://electricchildren.com/wordpress/?p=679

Oh, I guess it's impressive. But try hitting 90mph in Arlington, boys. Then we'll talk...

nice article on solar sails

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2009/sep/10/solar-sail-space-exploration

Snake Killing Bunnies

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2009/09/15/63975_local-news.html

the Nepalese goat shortage

http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/viewnews.php?id=164066

the naked banana sex cult

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Naked_banana_sex_cult_leader_flees_police&in_article_id=738730&in_page_id=2

I believe the Beatles were members of this cult.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yae3P1qoOa4

news on the upcoming Hobbit film

http://www.thecimmerian.com/?p=5582

Moorcock on REH

http://www.thecimmerian.com/?p=5552

Michael's always interesting to me.

animated Lovecraft readings

http://grimreviews.blogspot.com/2009/09/animated-hp-lovecraft-readings.html

Kinda weird...

Lovecraftian Maps

http://cthulhudoodle.blogspot.com/2009/09/lovecraft-maps.html

Great resources for role playing gamers.

RIP Henry Gibson

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-henry-gibson17-2009sep17,0,1109640.story

RIP Bobby Graham

http://www.spinner.com/2009/09/16/acclaimed-session-drummer-bobby-graham-dies-at-69/

(Thanks for the link, Perry!)

Jung's Red Book published!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/magazine/20jung-t.html

Always flirted around the edges of Jungian thought, this'll be interesting.

neat-looking library building

http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/08/27/big-unveil-massive-mobius-strip-library-for-kazakhstan/

seismic communication amongst elephants

http://www.phenomenica.com/2009/09/how-elephants-talk.html

Pretty neat.

the love that dare not speak its name

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,1,26090443-5013016,00.html

Help yourself...

http://www.smh.com.au/national/opendoor-morgue-leaves-bodies-up-for-grabs-20090920-fwso.html

some neat jack-o-lantern patterns

http://www.zombiepumpkins.com/patterns-unique.php

Yes Virginia...

The most famous letter to the editor of all time was published on this date in 1897.
http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/

And then there's the updated version...
http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/97/Jan/cthulhu.html

40 Days Until Halloween!

Happy Devil's Nutting Day!

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

Happy Birthday Bill Murray!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000195/

Happy Birthday Chuck Jones!

http://www.chuckjones.com/

Genius. Essential. An American Treasure.

Happy Birthday H. G. Wells!

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

Happy Autumn Equinox!

September 21 to October 31 - a request

Hello Readers,
It's time for my annual request for you to keep an eye out for any articles dealing with the occult, folklore, monsters and parapsychology in the greater DC region. From now until Halloween, the various media outlets are almost guaranteed to run an article or two about ghost many as I can, but there are all sorts of local and obscure newspapers and websites that it's easy to miss. If you see anything dealing with events within, say, 75 miles of the Capitol, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know so that I can repost it. Thanks much!

"Great tits acquire taste for bats."

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.misc.forteana/browse_thread/thread/fd1523df0f4a3c07?hl=en

I've waited my whole life for a news article to start off with that sentence.

Happy Anniversary, Firefly!

Premiered on this date in 2002. One of the great TV shows. Criminally neglected.

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

Happy Birthday Carolyne Mas!

http://www.carolynemas.com/

A great Rock'N'Roller. One of my faves.

Happy Birthday Jay Ward!

http://www.toonopedia.com/jayward.htm
http://bullwinkle.toonzone.net/index.htm

Halloween Wines

http://www.elkcreekvineyards.com/halloween-wine.php

The Playground....

http://failblog.org/2009/09/13/playground-gallows-fail/

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

neat Cthulhu mask

http://www.paklinks.com/gs/rss-gadgets/352383-handmade-cthulhu-mask.html

RIP Jim Carroll

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0917/1224254725212.html

Sulu on the Newlywed Game!

http://www.seattlepi.com/tvguide/410266_tvgif17.html

For Sale: The "Born To Run" House

http://centralwisconsinhub.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090919/WDH0504/309190095

Cthulhu Perfume!

http://www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com/arkham.html

Fishy, yes - But I like it too!

Art Deco Cthulhu!

http://interest.kelvinchu.com/?p=4738#awp::?p=4738

Where Were You When The Death Star Fell?

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1920944

Classic....

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

RIP Mary Travers

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-09-18-voa48.cfm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXOmSlcG3I0

Ah, one more memory of childhood - gone.

Robot Vampire!

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/bloodbot-draws-blood-inspires-fear/

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

great moments in chili pepper crime

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090908/NEWS02/909080311

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Arizona 9/2009
For those of you who might be interested, here’s a little synopsis of Linda's and my week-long vacation to Arizona. It was a fun trip.
We left Saturday morning from National Airport, (I will NEVER refer to it by the new name). I’ve had a lifelong preference for Dulles, but that’s changing. I think my prejudice was primarily due to the lack of parking at National, but the major facelift it went though in the 90’s changed that. It’s a shorter ride for us, (and cheaper if done by taxi), the parking I’ve experienced that last few times has been decent, and it’s a smaller airport than Dulles – this is important when travelling with heavy baggage, as we always seem to do. You can easily put in a mile or two at Dulles, going from car to ticket counter to bus to gate, etc. And while I’ve had both good and bad experiences with airline people at both locales, the TSA guards at National are MUCH nicer than the ones at Dulles. In fact, every airport I’ve been to has had nicer guards than at Dulles, (although O’Hare’s may have been the laziest…). I suspect that Turkish prisons have nice guards than Dulles. And I am still convinced that when the District closed down Lorton, they just gave all the thugs uniforms and told ‘em to hang out at Dulles and yell at me.
But I’ve gone off track here, apologies. The flight started off a little iffy. We were stuck out on the tarmac for about 75 minutes due to a messed up plane computer that needed to be worked on, (and finally rebooted). (The gods mock software testers constantly.) Why the airline waits to check a vital computer, (we were told it controlled the rudder), until after it’s loaded and ready for takeoff remains a mystery to me. But we finally did launch and the rest of the ride went fine. We landed in Phoenix to a blustery 100 degrees. We roared up Interstate 17 as fast as possible to gain elevation and escape the heat. It was tough going; there are speed cameras and traps everywhere. I suspect this is to try to keep people from leaving, (I have no love for Phoenix – it’s hot, the sections I’ve seen have no more personality than a K-mart, the traffic sucks and the traffic lights are perfectly coordinated to turn red at each intersection.)
Flagstaff was great – cool, relatively green, etc. The old downtown is small but with several nice craft shops, studios, and restaurants. It’s also bordered by a portion of the old Route 66, which I’m something of a fan of. The town hosts a wonderful Arboretum, which we toured extensively. They had a special showing of various raptors that a local wildlife group had rescued from various calamities. These included a large owl and hawk that soared through our little audience, inches from us. (Linda was actually brushed by the tip of the hawk’s wing as it glided down!). The tour we took was very good and we really enjoyed ourselves – highly recommended. My only caveat is that the road there is two miles of some of the worst washboarding I’ve ever experienced, (and my many trips to rural Colorado give me some authority in this matter). Jarring doesn’t begin to describe it. I’m sure my name is going in a big black book somewhere at the rent-a-car company once they check out the tires, shocks, and alignment of our vehicle.
Another stop was the Museum of Northern Arizona. This is a Must See. It is not huge – it does not need to be. But I consider it probably THE best museum devoted to the Southwest that I’ve ever been in. The Indian archaeological displays were first-rate. The pottery and other collections were really extraordinary. Of all the places I’ve been in Arizona, Flagstaff and the area North of it is the area I like the best. It’s very pretty, and that mountain pine scent that permeates the area is almost spiritually calming to me. It’s a cool place.
After two nights in Flagstaff we moved on south for a day in Sedona. Now, there’s no doubt that the town is located in an awesome valley, surrounded by truly beautiful scenery – some of the best in the West. But it’s crowded, (it’s not a large valley), and extremely touristy. But we had a nice motel that backed up to one of the “wilderness trails” in the area. And the morning we were there, Linda and I got up at dawn and strolled for about 45 minutes on it. There were just the two of us, a family of jackrabbits, and some beautiful scenery and wildflowers. One of my favorite parts of the trip.
One thing I’d recommend in Sedona, besides getting out of town and into the scenery is a place with the unpronounceable name of Tlaquepaque. It’s a rather artificially created “village” of arts and crafts shops, galleries and restaurants. For our kind of tastes and shopping, it was pretty good, and probably the only place actually in town that I’d visit again.
From Sedona we continued South to Jerome. The last time we’d travelled this route; we’d left no time to explore the town, and didn’t know how neat it was. Jerome was once a copper mining town, and fairly good sized – clinging to the side of a mountain. The mine went bust a few decades back and the place became a ghost town with no more than a few dozen inhabitants hanging onto the side of the mountain. But the last couple of decades have seen it slowly but surely resurrected as an arts and crafts center. Almost half the little buildings in town are shops or restaurants, and it is very cool. There were a variety of places we made purchases in, but our fave was a place called Nellie Bly. Linda and I’ve always had a soft spot for kaleidoscopes, and this was by far the best such shop we’d ever seen, both in quality and quantity. I don’t know how long we lingered, but we could have spent the whole day looking over the hundreds of beautiful pieces, some as big as easy chairs! A stunning collection, we’d return to Jerome just to visit Nellie Bly’s. Besides being a (former) ghost town, many of the buildings in town are supposedly haunted, and this has influenced a certain amount of marketing, with various ghost tours and books offered. Readers will not be surprised to know that I just HAD to have lunch at a place called the Haunted Hamburger, (and ordered its mascot item, which was delicious). We stayed at the best hotel in town, the Grand Hotel, which was a former hospital that sits at the very top of the town. We ate at its restaurant, The Asylum, which was also good. Our room faced out over the mountainside, and across the town and valley below, I’m sure the view was a good 70 miles, with peaks a hundred or more miles away still visible. That late afternoon and the next morning we just sat out on our little room terrace watching the dusk and the dawn. Another wonderful and relaxing moment.
I really do recommend Jerome; it’s just a cute town. And I always laugh when I start driving its twisting and turning streets. It really is just hanging on for dear life to the side of the mountain there, and the steep grades, sharp hairpin turns and super-narrow roads resemble something more out of medieval Europe than early twentieth century America. The drive alone is worth visiting there.
After Jerome, we drove down the infamous Highway 89A, (not for the squeamish), to the town of Prescott. I like Prescott, it’s drier and hotter than I prefer, but it’s a nice town with a pleasant downtown, including the remnants of its miner and rancher past – Whiskey Row, a series of Victorian era bars that have survived, (or been revived), up to the present.
After a day in Prescott, we went to spend two nights with my cousin Lynnae at her husband Pat’s ranch. Wonderful! We’re talking REAL ranch here, folks. Ten thousand acres, cattle, saddling up the horse for that day’s activities, etc. It’s 5 miles to the nearest neighbor, (as the crow flies, not by road); and a forty-five minute ride off the regular road to get there – all dirt, and as bone-jarring as the one in Flagstaff. Totally off “the grid”, electricity is by solar panel, water from a well, etc. And all in a stone house built by Pat’s father when he started the ranch. This is a lifestyle fast becoming extinct, I feel privileged to have witnessed it for real. Wildlife was plentiful. On the ride there we saw havalina pigs, (a first for both of us); and while at the ranch house we delighted in the many lizards and hummingbirds, both outside, (and occasionally inside) the house. We saw deer coming in to graze and Linda got to see her first scorpion and tarantula, (as both tried to enter the house one evening – I don’t think she slept too well that night….This is a place where you always check your shoes before putting them on.). Very cool. While there, Lynnae arranged for us to take a tour of an open pit copper mine just outside the town of Bagdad (sic). It’s something rare nowadays – a company town. All run by Freeport-McMoRan. The tour was great fun, the pit is HUGE and the equipment used in mining makes me envious. Trucks with tires 15+ feet in diameter, and weighing many tons would make travel around Annandale so much easier and more entertaining….
The best part of course was just hanging out with Pat and Lynnae. Sitting out on their stone porch at night, with no background noise other than the birds and crickets - that was wonderful.
The next day we travelled back to the traffic and irritations of Phoenix and caught our flight home the day after. It was a nice trip.
There were three things I might point out about aspects of our little voyage. The first two involve food. Now, the gods know I love to eat. But the portions we were getting at some of the restaurants were truly staggering, and I speak as a professional hedonist. One or two of the single meals I ordered were easily the equivalent of what I eat in an entire day. And then the waitress would come by acting surprised that we didn’t want dessert! There was one Indian restaurant we ate at in Flagstaff that was unbelievable what they expected me to eat. No wonder they’re starving over there – my dinner could have easily have relieved famine for the population of Hyderabad for a week! And another thing – I wish the local restaurants offered more local fare – or any local fare. We stay away from chains, in the hopes of such regionalism coming though in the menu. But it was rare and very limited. I’d love to see prickly pear cactus, havalina, mountain trout, elk, quail, mutton, etc. But practically none of the restaurants had any to offer. In fact, if I had to say there was any “traditional” food that’s universally offered in central Arizona, (other than hamburgers and Mexican food), it’d be shrimp! Every place seemed to offer a full complement of seafood. I swear – its’ easier to find sushi in Arizona than anything native. And that’s a shame, I consider anyone going to Arizona to eat seafood an idiot.
And finally, it’s interesting to see how trips can act as benchmarks for you. Twenty five years ago, hiking around at 7000 feet elevation was a literal breeze – no more. The sun burns hotter for me than it used to. Talking with my cousin about old times can be bittersweet, quite a few of the people and places we grew up with and talked about are now gone. But it was a good trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others.

On vacation!

See ya in a week...

Pogo online

http://www.pogopossum.com/
A little old time cartoon humor. I'd be curious is many folks under the age of 50-55 would appreciate Kelly's humor and gentle satire. As a kid, I remember my father and his friends chuckling over the strips; but that seems a lifetime ago, as indeed, it was....

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

Micro Sculpture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYi458oI0-8

Unbelievable.

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Hugs!

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/09/11/whatever-you-do-dont-hug-this-man/

Keystone Cops - Found

http://www.fark.com/cgi/comments.pl?IDLink=4630106&tt=s

DC, Dan Brown, & Tourism

http://dc.metblogs.com/2009/09/11/dc-to-be-dan-browned-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Great article. I wish I'd written it...

Cassette Recycling!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/recyling-ideas-for-cassette-tapes-095023?image_id=708759

Pretty cute.

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

My geopolitical dreams come true

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/liechtenstein_andorra_forced_to?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

Next up, Tonga VS Nauru!

Pink Floyd & Black Sabbath - the way they were meant to be heard

This reminds me of a wonderful "Hootenany" Night in Arlington with the Graverobbers many years ago. You haven't lived until you've heard Randy play the accordian to Cream's Tales Of Brave Ulysses and the Velvet's Heroin. A magical night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD55bz2Zdmw&eurl=

10 WWII flicks

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-090824-nazi-busting-movies-pictures,0,7318515.photogallery

I have my doubts on a few of these. Indiana Jones? And nothing from the Pacific Theatre? A few more I would recomend would be:
The Longest Day
The Battle of the Bulge
Castle Keep (the weirdest war movie ever made)
Back to Bataan
The Sands of Iwo Jima
Hell Is For Heroes (the second weirdest war movie ever made)
Is Paris Burning?
The Bunker
Tora! Tora! Tora!
Stalag 17
The Guns of Navarone
Between Heaven and Hell (the third weirdest war movie ever made)
Guadalcanal Diary

50 Days Until Halloween!

And then they were Four...

Ringo replaced Pete Best on this date in '62.

Happy Anniversary to the Carol Burnette Show!

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

Debuted on this date in 1967. One of the funnest and funniest shows, ever. Probably unique in that the worse the sketch went the better it became.

Happy Anniversary to Danger Man/Secret Agent!

Premiered on this date, (in Britain), in 1960. One of my fave TV shows. Really great TV starring my fave, Patrick McGoohan, (and a killer theme song by Johnny Rivers). So cool...

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

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053496/

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

http://www.danger-man.co.uk/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K90joT4RSnA

Naked, incinerated and chasing rabbits is no way to go through life, son.

http://www.macon.com/149/story/839192.html

We're looking for an incredibly fecund woman....

http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-boobybandits0910,0,1183418.story

Lord Haw Haw's Suspenders

http://www.batleynews.co.uk/news/Familys-bizarre-link-to-Nazi.5632759.jp

I certainly see historicl knick-knack value to his microphone. But this type of ephemera starts to get too obscure. What's next - tojo's tie clip, mussolini's salt shaker, etc.?

capitalism in the news!

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/09/yet_another_forged_climate_change_letter_from_bonn.php

Bela Lives!

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2009/09/dc_warns_of_bat_risk.html?wprss=dc

In a region teeming with rabid bloodsuckers*, it's difficult to take this little incursion seriously.

*The entire DC and PG county governments....

AC/DC performs Highway To Hell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVQUgXzp0lM

Cool...

fanvid for Bob Seger's No Man's Land

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

Maybe my fave song by Bob. Nice use of photos for this tune, too.

Mike Makes Ripley's!

http://comics.com/ripleys_believe_it_or_not/?DateAfter=2009-09-05&DateBefore=2009-09-05&Order=&PerPage=1&x=46&y=15&Search=

Elton performs Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLMotU8Tu9E

Really beautiful song. It's overcast and breezy here at the Manor. An early Fall day winding down, and this seemed like a nice soundtrack.

Take Off!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6826566.ece

Frightening!

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

prepare the white flags...

http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Frenchman_makes_history_at_NATO_supreme_command_999.html

trailer for the new Trick'r'Treat movie

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809791230/video/15468977

Hmmm, looks like a traditional celebration here at the Manor...

great storyline

http://www.fark.com/cgi/comments.pl?IDLink=4627950&tt=s

the ol' colostomy bag defense....

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090909/NEWS01/909100305/1055/NEWS/No+bizarre+behavior+in+court+this+time

Dali shills for chocolate

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1337109.html

nice review of the latest Klarkash-Ton collection

http://www.thecimmerian.com/?p=5529

new (to me) horror blog

http://sheneverslept.com/newsandreviews/

Pigeon VS Internet!

http://news.stv.tv/oddly-enough/121890-pigeon-transfers-data-faster-than-safricas-telkom/

hair and solar power

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1212005/Teenager-invents-23-solar-panel-solution-developing-worlds-energy-needs-human-hair.html

This sounds pretty amazing. (And what is it about hair? This must be the third or fourth news story I've seen involving human hair in the last couple of days).

Mike's fame begins!

Mike the Chicken was beheaded on this date in 1945.

http://www.miketheheadlesschicken.org/index.php

Happy Birthday Raymond Scott!

An American original. Genius, and absolutely essential.

http://www.raymondscott.com/

http://www.myspace.com/officialraymondscott

Werewolf Mints!

http://www.mcphee.com/shop/products/Silver-Bullet-Mints.html?utm_source=Archie+McPhee+Cult+List&utm_campaign=bfeac4b42e-Cult_Sept_099_9_2009&utm_medium=email

listing of horror themed cafes, pubs and restaurants

http://members.tripod.com/~HORROR_guide/

Looks pretty shallow and out of date...

The Poe Decoder

http://www.poedecoder.com/

Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs...

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2009/09/hilarious-and-crazy-signage-part-13.html

Congrats to Mel Brooks! Kennedy Center Honoree

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/09/AR2009090901512.html?hpid=artslot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPcdVdE7rfk

The Ultimate Monopoly Game!

http://bitsandpieces.us/2009/09/09/monopoly-city-streets-game-by-google/
I claim Bailey's Crossroads! I claim Bailey's Crossroads! It's a Can't-Lose strategy. Sooner or later, everyone lands there, and it takes forever to get away. With a Hotel on every block I'll be a gazillionaire by sundown....

hair raising hobby

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Barber_turns_Tiananmen_Square_into_Tiananmen_Hair&in_article_id=734197&in_page_id=2

Imagine

Was released on this date in '71.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okd3hLlvvLw

Bruce & Mel Brooks - pretty cool!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/09/AR2009090901512.html?hpid=artslot

my breakfast questions answered

http://tv.winelibrary.com/2009/09/08/what-wine-pairs-with-cereal-episode-734/

the cutting edge of turtle repair

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6154750/Injured-turtle-fitted-with-furniture-coasters.html

Happy Birthday to The Amazing Jonathan!

http://www.amazingj.com/

I love this guy's act.

Happy Birthday Doug Ingle!

Leader of the Iron Butterfly!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bQZ6l_cq5Y

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

http://www.myspace.com/dougingle

Happy Birthday Otis!

http://www.otisredding.com/
http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/otis-redding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dael4sb42nI

Fantastic performer and voice. One of the Immortals.

Happy Teddy Bear Day!

Lulu sings To Sir With Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aSFoY3W3NM

School's in, this seems appropriate. I love this movie and song. See ya tomorrow...

Gilbert O'Sullivan performs Get Down

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

His last hit, at least in the States, it was big right about now in 1973. A guilty pleasure for me, for one thing, it's unbelievably light - just bubblegum, really. And for another thing, I'm reasonably sure it's about beastiality. Gil could get strange....

Gang-Bang Rape as an advertising tool

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1332673.html

Who said times were more innocent then?

This is your lemur on drugs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJoYlRH1Xdo&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=46AFACB17C393871

Bruce performs Light Of Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8baKV9TBxE

Wonderful...

The Pogues perform Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTVnrHy73zk

A near-perfect rock'n'roll song, and performed by one of its ugliest geniuses!

Getting rid of the evidence

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20090908/WDH0101/909080425/1981

Yes, I'm certain the pursuing cops woould never notice the casual flinging of AN ENTIRE KEG out the window of a car...

the change purse

http://www.blameitonthevoices.com/2009/09/taxidermy-mouse-wallet.html

Ultimate Thriller?

http://www.dailypress.com/news/custom/offbeat/sns-ap-us-odd-thriller-world-record,0,1099684.story

neat article on micro-radio

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/us/08radio.html?emc=eta1

As old-time friends and regular readers know, I hold the radio of my past in almost religious awe, and am totally disgusted with its state today. I just love these rebels. Unfortunately for them, I continue to believe that future is in the wireless delivery of Internet radio. I'm just waiting for a godd, and inexpensive, car system...

(Thanks for the link, Karen!)

The Berlin Rocket Launch

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/6149827/Berlin-TV-tower-stolen-by-Nasa-amazing-video-spoof.html

The Silent Killer.....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6153518/Crumbs-half-of-Britons-injured-by-their-biscuits-on-coffee-break-survey-reveals.html

Electric microbe power!

http://www.discoveryon.info/2009/09/bacteria-to-convert-waste-into-power.html

fun fruit!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/6138967/Freaky-fruit-and-vile-vegetables-mother-natures-freaks-of-nature.html

home repairs are conducted by a barber

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6129774/Woman-builds-house-out-of-human-hair.html

Contraception Myths

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8238789.stm

Actually, I'm reasonably sure that covering a woman in crocodile dung will prevent her from getting pregnant...

Get A Life!

Star Trek premiered on this date in '66.

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

Happy Birthday Peter Sellers!

Another essential comic genius.

http://www.petersellers.com/

Happy Birthday Sid Caeser!

Genius. Essential.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0128377/

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

neat collection of Bela Lugosi movie trailers

http://thevaultofhorror.blogspot.com/2009/09/trailer-trash-bela-lugosi-edition.html

Labor Day winding down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ahhmiuyko0

It it probably to the credit of social conditioning that even now, decades after I left school, that I still feel a twinge of dread and a primitive flight impulse on this date. I know that some folks have been back in classes for up to two weeks already, but Labor Day is still sort of the official end of Summer for many of us, regardless. There's no going back children - it's over. The carefree days are behind us, let the regimentation begin! Sometimes I think it was only because I loved the sights, sounds and weather of Autumn (and my beloved Halloween!), that kept me from going mad.
Sly and his family released Hot Fun 40 years ago. Incredible. I fell in love with it immediately; and every year, (that I've had a stereo available to me), I've played this song on this day. It seems entirely appropriate to post it here and now, (sometimes social conditioning can be a comfort...).

While we're at it, here are few more tunes that seem appropriate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqI4xfsdv7Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2smDXr13EJE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2rDp6FnbP0

Spider From Mars?

http://www.themorningstarr.co.uk/2009/09/06/spider-named-after-david-bowie/

the convenience of home delivery

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/sep/06/bus-stop-in-front-of-sex-offenders-home/

"a little over the top"...

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1754593,5_1_WA05_COVERGUNS_S2-090905.article

Not if he'd lived in PG county....

Questions for Banff

http://www.canada.com/technology/dumb+questions+Banff+tour+operators+hear/1959359/story.html

I assure you, DC has more than its share of questions like these.

Archaeology?

http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/2154527.html

Nooooo!!!!!!!!

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Firefighters_dodge_corks_as_wine_truck_burns&in_article_id=732696&in_page_id=2

Oh, the Humanity!

Happy Birthday Buddy Holly!

http://www.buddyhollyonline.com/

Happy Birthday Chrissie Hynde!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrissie_Hynde
http://www.thepretenders.com/

Happy Labor Day!

http://www.dol.gov/OPA/ABOUTDOL/LABORDAY.HTM

Firesign Live in LA!

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/dear_friends_the_firesign_theater_appearing_live_in_los_angeles/#When:20:18:02Z

I wish I could go, that would be so cool...

modern parenting skills

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26033285-29277,00.html

The Feel-Good Romantic Comedy Of The Year - The Shining

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmkVWuP_sO0&eurl=

my favorite school

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C5Rnb7J3sU&feature=player_embedded

Happy Birthday Lafayette!

http://www.marquisdelafayette.net/

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!

One of the great silent horror films. Absolutely essential.

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

Bacon brings out the beast in all of us....

http://www.canada.com/news/national/Arctic+researcher+flees+after+wolves+gorge+bacon/1964535/story.html

Ah, the Entrance Exam...

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20090905p2a00m0na010000c.html

After all, standards must be maintained!

The Pantry

http://failblog.org/2009/09/04/house-advertisement-fail/

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

A wonderful GPS story

http://thebloggess.com/?p=3817

I love this little exchange, and can identify with large portions of it. Now, on the one hand, I rarely get lost - if I have a good map, (I am VERY good with maps, if I do say so myself). And in and around Nova I rarely need to use them at all. But I am like this poor lady writing in her blog in several respects. First of all, because I grew up around here, (and because of the way my warped little mind works), I go over directions in my head based on landmarks and experiences - not street names*. This becomes a real problem when someone else asks me for directions. It can be a little embarrassing, as I've had to say that I could take them there, but can't give them a good description of how to do so themselves.

Now with old timers like my brother or my friend Edmund it's quite easy - "go into Arlington until you get to where Wally's Aquarium shop used to be (1966) and then head like you're going to the old La Casita (1974) and go east till you pass by where Dad bought the '65 black Oldsmobile (1967). Clearly, this is of minimal help to the rest of you.

And I agree with her about the GPS, and any other "talking" machine. I hate that. Absolutely hate it. I grew up reading Magnus, and I'll be god damned if I'm going to let any stupid machine order me around. I hate the whole idea of giving alleged human qualities to things I consider nothing more than souped up bread toasters. And so, here I am, with a stack of maps. But at least I don't have to put up with some HAL wannabe...

*When it comes to driving in and around DC, I must bow to my old friend Cliff as The Master. Riding with Cliff around here is Magellanic experience. Even to old denizens of the area, it's like Star Trek - going where no man has gone before. One time Linda and I were privileged to be riding with him home from a concert at the Cap Center. We took a "short cut" through the District, and went down roads that no human being has seen since Pierre L'Enfant plotted them. We are talking alleys off of alleys. At one point I swear we used some guy's driveway. It was amazing, and I strongly suspect some occult influence was present. If I were to somehow try to retrace that route, I'm sure that neither I nor anyone else would be able to. Where once was free passage would be blocked by a wall - centuries old, routes that were open to us that night would be seen in the light of day to be solid blocks of buildings. Cliff is a man to be reckoned with....

library sells books off and replaces them with a coffee machine

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/04/a_library_without_the_books/?wtf

I weep...

the cutting edge of school marms

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/03/ap/strange/main5286155.shtml

Flu comparison

http://www.eatliver.com/i.php?n=4741

Interior decorating ideas

http://www.hooklady.com/S/s3.htm

neat posting & video of the Stones performing 2000 Light Years From Home

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/their_satanic_majes/#When:03:34:49Z

I agree with the poster, always loved Their Satanic Majesty's Request.

Godzilla Plushes

http://paizo.com/store/toys/plushes/godzilla

Awww!

Someone's been very naughty...

http://www.talkzimbabwe.com/news/117/ARTICLE/5329/2009-09-03.html
I believe Jim Breuer had a handle on this issue...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXdpIC2AtkY

Tee Hee!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8237558.stm

The Prisoner (original series) being reviewed at the A.V. Club

http://www.avclub.com/articles/arrival,32536/

This is a very good review, but is full of spoilers for any of you who've not watched the show (and if you're reading this blog, it is essential that you watch this show).

Abominations of Yondo - music inspired by Clark Ashton Smith

http://earthrid.wordpress.com/

Wonderful!

constructed languages

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/08/top-ten-geekiest-constructe-languages/

I'm not sure I'd describe Esperanto as geeky; idealistic, perhaps. As for the author using that same description of R'lyehian - well, we cultists know who to come after first....

Happy Birthday Al Stewart!

One of my faves.

http://www.alstewart.com/

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

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

Happy Anniversary to Second Hand Lions!

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

Premiered on this date in 2003. Great film.

Happy Birthday Bob Newhart!

http://www.bobnewhart.com/

Grand Funk performs I'm Your Captain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyF5J7au1jE

I'm sure there are many pleasant experiences associated with this song, but I was in no condition to commit them to memory at the time....
See ya tomorrow.

Michelle Shocked's video for Come A Long Way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cJZyjF9PlQ

She's a woefully neglected American treasure. I love this song, and 'Chelle is one of the best songwriters going.

George & Eric perform What Is Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1M_qqciovA

Twas about 35 years ago that I saw this performed live at the old Cap Center. A great moment.

a new Nuggets set from Rhino

http://www.rhino.com/store/ProductDetail.lasso?Number=519759&cmpid=RHnews0909

This looks essential...

I had no idea the Canadian government was so stupid

http://dcist.com/2009/09/wtf_canadian_embassy_to_stage_mock.php

Yes, under-advertised explosions going off in DC. That's going to go over reeeal well....

The Bigfoot Quiz

http://theoatmeal.com/quiz/bigfoot_love

a little something for the ladies...

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1328347.html

;)

Digital Synesthesia

http://www.good.is/post/digital-synesthesia/

Pretty neat!

neat collection of Halloween art and items

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghostofhalloweenspast/

Ha!

http://www.blameitonthevoices.com/2009/09/clepto-police.html

This MUST be in PG County....

I wish I'd come up with this description/headline

http://www.fark.com/cgi/comments.pl?IDLink=4616215&tt=s

negative advertising

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/090831_satan_signs

think what she could do with a blackboard....

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/losing-8metre-talons-robbed-woman-of-lsquoidentityrsquo-14480564.html

the cutting edge of serving bacon

http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/post/173055508/meatini-a-full-english-fried-breakfast-served-in

Disco Darth

http://meview.metro.co.uk/Video.aspx?id=48975

True Gamesman

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Drunk_chess_grandmaster_falls_asleep_at_board&in_article_id=731101&in_page_id=2

Baby Pears

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?These_pears_have_gone_baby-shaped&in_article_id=730758&in_page_id=2

Dictionary In Limerick Form

http://www.oedilf.com/db/Lim.php?Word=&button=Go

Amazing...

computer aid to decyphering ancient texts

http://www.programmica.info/2009/09/computer-algorithm.html

I'm not quite sure I understand how this works, and why the confidence in the results; but if it is accurate, this'll be amazing.

Long-lost Beach Boys tapes are found!

http://www.newtimesslo.com/cover/3164/the-reel-deal/

Cool!

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Ukraine's Got Talent

http://www.popeater.com/2009/08/28/ukrainian-talent-winner/

Wonderful sand artistry. Quite moving.

(Thanks for the link, Nancy!)

the wedding vows..

http://www.yeah-oops.com/2009/09/03/bride-cant-stop-laughing-during-vows/

Kind of reminds you of the old Carol Burnett show...

The Infamous Spider Drawing

http://emailsfromcrazypeople.com/2009/07/23/the-infamous-pider-drawing/

(Thanks for the link, Sandy!)

Yesterday's Hi-Tech

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/photo/chi-081216-hightech-nomore-pg,0,6642380.photogallery

Bank of America treats security in an offhanded way

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/090902/K090204AU.html

There are about twenty puns running around in my head right now...

The Berlin Olympics Switch

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article6819342.ece

Another twisted tale from the nazis.

Papa Was A Rolling Stone

The events in the song took place on this date...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt1Lv4pZnn4&feature=related

Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris

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

http://treatyofparis.com/

Thus ending the Revolutionary War.

the child I never had...

http://www.spirithalloween.com/product/mi-little-luci-zombie-baby/

Cake Wrecks!

http://www.amazon.com/Cake-Wrecks-Professional-Cakes-Hilariously/dp/0740785370/ref=pe_24390_12973820_as_img_6/#

Click to look inside the book at some of the examples...

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

bullet ice trays

http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/ak-bullet-ice-cube-tray.html

Hmm, isn't there a murder mystery based around this idea?

My First Dictionary

http://myfirstdictionary.blogspot.com/

This reminds me a lot of the great Glen Baxter.

nice article on The Lords of the New Church

http://sonsofthedolls.blogspot.com/2009/09/lords-of-new-church-st.html

Stiv was great.

Maryland's barter economy

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/offbeat/090109_man_charged_with_trying_to_pay_for_gas_with_pot

the wedding crasher

http://www.yeah-oops.com/2009/09/01/lizard-ruins-wedding-reception/

The No-Way Street

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8232041.stm

Lovecraft Tweets

http://www.thecontrarianmedia.com/2009/09/lovecraft-tweets/

Happy National Beheading Day!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/beheadingday.htm
http://europeanhistory.about.com/cs/frenchrevolution/a/Guillotine.htm

Happy VJ Day!

Today is the "official" date...

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

Dr. Evil Lives!

http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2009/09/airborne_laser_zaps_ground_tar_1.asp

a great old-time ad

http://community.livejournal.com/vintage_ads/1319451.html

toilet paper roll sculptures

http://villageofjoy.com/weird-toilet-paper-roll-sculptures-by-junior-jacquet/

rock balancing

http://www.hemmy.net/2007/12/03/amazing-rock-balancing-skills/

Pretty nifty!

fanvid for The Jam's Something's Gone

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

No, it's not the British group, but a band from America. Read the liner notes on Youtube. This guy has been promoting It absolutely reeks of 66-67 coolness. Perfection. I finally managed to find a copy of the 45 on Ebay about a year back - and it was cut off-centered! But at least I've got an MP3 of it. If anyone ever finds out anything on these guys, please let me know. They are the Ivory Billed Woodpecker of rock'n'roll.

Weirdness

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

great moments in drinking history

Monday, September 28, 2009

Happy Crack Nut Day!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A wet autumn night

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Stay away from blackberries

Friday, September 25, 2009

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Autumn...

just another day around the District

Monday, September 21, 2009