Weirdness: July 2011

The coolest border closing ceremony - ever!

http://www.wimp.com/indiapakistan/

Now that's a Border Closing! I do wonder if John Cleese can sue for copyright infringement, however.

(Thanks for the link, Ed!)

Orange peel flamethrower

http://io9.com/5823349/how-to-turn-an-orange-peel-into-a-mini+flamethrower

Neat-O!

Heat Index of 121!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/pm-update-historic-heat-and-humidity-broil-region-excessive-heat-warning-saturday/2011/07/05/gIQAPJguTI_blog.html?hpid=z2

Whew!

How to park a car

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motoringvideo/8651901/Driver-flips-car-into-parking-space.html

The Return of Ab Fab?!

http://www.independent.ie/video/video-entertainment/ab-fab-returns-2828321.html

Cool!

Drive-By Shootings in Wuss America

http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1797077344/A-plea-of-innocent-in-Quincy-broken-leg-case

And so, we have come to this, assassination by nerf....

Understatement of the Day: "I'm just going to drop in"

http://www.kcra.com/r/28619982/detail.html

Happy Meals!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/21/mcdonalds-manager-punches-customer_n_906182.html

http://bangordailynews.com/2011/07/21/living/garden-slugs-prefer-budweiser-over-foreign-brands/

We had a huge slug problems at our first house. While I didn't do any comparison testing, (no way I'm wasting good beer on vermin), I did find that they were almost hypnotically drawn to the cheap swill that I put out for them - mostly Bud and PBR.

Only 100 Days Until Halloween!

Woo Hoo!

Happy Birthday to My Aim Is True by Elvis Costello!

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

Released on this date in '77. One of my all-time faves. Absolutely brilliant.

Happy Birthday to The Daily Show!

Premiered on this date in 1996.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Happy birthday George Clinton!

http://www.georgeclinton.com/site/

http://www.myspace.com/gclinton

Happy Spooner's Day!

http://www.answers.com/topic/spooner-s-day-william-spooner-birth-anniversary

The Fungi From Yuggoth Returns To The Manor!

These aren't very good pictures, and the damn things started to die on me before I could take them. But we can all relax, the annual return of the Fungi to the Manor has occured.

fanvid for Spirit performing Dark Eyed Woman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTY4KBTC6fE

One of those songs that reminds me of many sweltering Summer nights spent shambling about DC in the 70's. You'd brush past the hookers and strip clubs on 14th and continue North to the Iguana Club coffeehouse for some folk, then meander to Downtown to the Aeroplane or down to Foggy Bottom to Tammany Hall, (ignoring the parasitic b-girls who infested the place on weekends); and then off to Gtown and gods know what. And ALWAYS end up at Cafe de Paris for a last call, steak tartar, and onion soup at about 3AM.

fanvid for Bedemon performing Child of Darkness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUEjh4qjWd8

DC's finest heavy doom band!

Bad Company performs Can't Get Enough

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4sKdiWlLR8

Classic 70's hard rock.

Looking Glass performs Brandy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-dleViv2nc

A staple of Top 40 oldies stations. I still like it - good lyrics; and it pains me to think that it's over 39 years ago that it was a hit.

fanvid for the Everly's performing Bowling Green

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-QLh1OKVMg

By the Summer of '67 the hits were coming fewer and farther between, but I really loved this one, my fave by them.

fanvid for Chubby Checker performing The Twist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxzHA7zkepw

Perhaps the most famous dance record in pop culture.

Joss Whedon's Cabin In The Woods to be released!

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/07/21/joss-whedons-cabin-in-the-woods-release-date/

The Onion is soooo wicked....

http://www.theonion.com/audio/necrophiliacs-release-from-prison-seen-as-threat-t,20953/

Technological History - The Pizza Box

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/07/the-3-big-advances-in-the-technology-of-the-pizza-box/242116/

Cute little article.

how gas profits are spent

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upshot/man-name-sand-visible-space-190516989.html

Oh my gods - I like Lady Gaga!

http://www.wimp.com/gagaperformance/

At this point in my life, I tend to run as fast as I can away from mega-hype and faux outrageousness in pop culture. It's always a disappointment and a cover for someone with little talent for making buckets of cash. Gaga seemed right out of central casting for this type of stuff. But I saw a reference to this clip elsewhere and decided to (finally) check her out, and must way - I'm impressed.

The cutting edge of compensation

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/20/illinois-prisoner-demands_n_905092.html?ir=Weird+News

The last show of the Joy Boys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9IxNqYIbUE

Local radio legends here in DC.

Happy Birthday Kim Fowley!

http://www.kimfowley.net/

Happy Birthday Robin Williams!

http://www.robinwilliams.com/

Velvet Sugar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dApZDAho63M&feature=player_embedded

Tee hee!

ELO VS The Supremes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5NuDWx2IMI&feature=share

A new way to relieve the stupid rich from their money!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/19/138513048/woman-pays-10-000-for-non-visible-work-of-art?ft=1&f=1001

I love it!

Nice article honoring the commandos of D-Day

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2015984/Honours-submariners-led-secret-D-Day-invasion.html

People pay THEM for sex?!?!?

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/07/post_686.html

Sheesh - fugly....

The Friendly Skys

http://www.bittenandbound.com/2011/07/19/denver-air-traffic-controller-drunk-on-the-job-video/

Martha & The Vandellas perform Heatwave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE2fnYpwrng

An entirely appropriate song. It's boiling today at the Manor....

fanvid for Dionne performing Do You Know The Way To San Jose

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsHwVRL06R8&playnext=1&list=PL49E43CA7C89C6DCF

It is still disconcerting to me to realize that this little gem is 43 years old. I remember my family driving through San Jose that Summer, and this song coming on the radio. Fun stuff!

The Orchids perform Girls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awDrQ2ptCZI

I believe I am the only person who remembers this fun band.

Rickie Lee Jones performs Last Chance Texaco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTP3ScWi7rc

My fave by her, perfect for a sweltering afternoon.

Aimee Mann's video for Freeway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQF5CXV9cos

She's so cool...

Tracy Ullman's video for Breakaway

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

Fun stuff!

The first interactive tatoo?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3qv2dSXQXk&feature=youtu.be

Wuss America

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43810459

Heat Index for DC at 116!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/shock-forecast-noaa-predicts-heat-index-of-116-in-washington-dc-friday/2011/07/19/gIQAB3kWOI_blog.html

Impressive!

Cat Laser Bowling!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFztjgfDWDA&feature=youtu.be

(Thanks for the link, Becky!)

Happy National Hot Dog Day!

Yum!

Anniversary of the release of Do Anything You Wanna Do by Eddie & The Hot Rods

In 1977. One of my all-time fave songs.

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

http://www.eddieandthehotrods.com/

Happy Anniversary to The Bowman Body!

First appearance (as a Summer replacement) on this date in 1970.

http://www.bowmanbody.com/

Happy birthday Diana Rigg!

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

http://theavengers.tv/forever/bio-rigg.htm

Happy Birthday John Lodge!

http://www.johnlodge.com/

Happy Birthday Carlos Santana!

http://www.santana.com/

Happy Moon Day!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/July/moonday.htm

http://history.nasa.gov/ap11ann/introduction.htm

An incredible achievement.

Happy Fortune Cookie Day!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/fortunecookie.htm

Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7522952.stm

On the one hand, I don't believe that the State should be deciding what childrens names should be. On the other hand, if such a child should murder their parents, I think they should be let off on the grounds of self defense. Call me Solomon.

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

Execution over air conditioner condensation

http://wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=2240381&spid=

I'm sure there are worse cases out there, but this is certainly one of the stupidest reasons I've ever heard for murdering someone.

Land Art

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/15574/francois-abelanet-quoi-croire-optical-illusion-land-art.html

Neat-O!

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Today's special at Taco Bell

http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=159056

The Japanese Tsunami as filmed from inside a car

http://fragg.me/video/japan-tsunami-inside-car

UNBELIEVABLE - and very frightening. The random tossing of vehicles and heavy debris - I could feel myself getting anxious just watching it. One (dark) bit of comedy - the driver kept their windshield wipers going.

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

The world's most expensive croissant

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/Croissant-scam-costs-man-258-yahoofinanceuk-3175110601.html

We Had To Destroy The Husband To Save Him

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8273875/us-woman-shooting-at-dog-kills-husband

The spirit of Westmoreland lives on!

Dogs VS Sharks

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979656135

I'm Going To Be Rich!

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=diamonds-lose-mass-in-sunlight

I'm going to start selling Engagement Ring Umbrellas!

The cutting edge of concert acoustics

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2011/0715/Chile-looks-below-the-surface-for-music

One Last Cheer

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Woman-whose-dad-did-OHIO-cheer-from-his-casket-t?urn=ncaab-wp3771

The Hunger...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2015690/Emma-Veness-diagnosed-Pica-disorder-unusual-craving-furniture-polish.html

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

Happy National Ice Cream Day!

Yum!

Phone Call of Cthulhu!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=077XRI7wpC8&feature=player_embedded

The ACLU attempts to fry some bacon

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2459809

In a city full of swine, Danny has managed to put himself at the top of the wallowing pyramid. Everyone here is hoping he'll lose the case - big time. Most hated man in DC - and that's sayin' something.

We'll tell you we're doing better, rather than actually doing better

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/metro-launches-aggressive-social-media-effort/2011/07/15/gIQA3J2XKI_story.html?wpisrc=nl_tech

It is so typical of these times, this area, and bureaucracies in general. Here we have an agency that has been incompetently and courruptly run for decades, and allowed and encouraged to do so by the governments that guide and fund it. Gleefully murdering its employees as well as the general public, incapable of doing anything right. And they see the "problem"* as one of "communication"; i.e. - we need to crank up the propaganda machine to lie to people about how wonderful we are - as opposed to fixing the problems, (training bus drivers to stop running over pedestrians, don't allow unsafe trains to run, etc.. You don't spend money trying to do a better job, you spend it to TELL People that you're doing a better job. Like I said - typical.

*It's only a problem because so many people now report and know about it that it can no longer be successfully covered up. And it's not a problem for the board members, regardless, a group of parasites long known for NEVER riding Metro.

Happy Birthday Hunter S. Thompson!

http://www.hunterthompson.net/

http://www.nndb.com/people/312/000022246/

One of my faves.

Happy Birthday Dion!

http://www.diondimucci.com/

Happy Birthday Martha Reeves!

http://www.missmarthareeves.com/

Happy National Caviar Day!

Yum!

A nice little article about The Bayou rock club of Gtown

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2011/07/10/gIQAAEveII_story.html

In its time, a local landmark.

(Thanks for the link, Edmund!)

Happy Birthday Vince Guaraldi!

http://www.vinceguaraldi.com/

Happy Birthday James Cagney!

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

Happy Wrong Way Corrigan Day!

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

Happy Sundae Sunday!

http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~julieann/ice_cream.htm

Yum!

Some upcoming conventions of interest:

Steel City Con in Pennsylvania
http://www.steelcitycon.com/

HorrorFind Weekend in Pennsylvania
http://www.horrorfindweekend.com/

Eerie Horror Filmfest in Pennsylvania
http://www.eeriehorrorfest.com/

Capclave in Maryland
http://www.capclave.org/capclave/capclave11/

Chiller Theatre Expo in New Jersey
http://www.chillertheatre.com/main.htm

KatsuCon in Maryland
http://www.katsucon.com/

Ken Kesey's Magic Trip to be released soon!

http://www.magictripmovie.com/

(Thanks for the link, Perry!)

RIP Jerry Ragavoy

http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2011/07/songwriter-and-producer-jerry-ragovoy.html

(Thanks for the link, Perry!)

The Springsteen-esque reaction to Carmageddon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK3O-DoZNJQ&feature=player_embedded#at=99

Brilliant!

Island of Lost Souls coming out on DVD!

http://trailersfromhell.com/blog/2011/07/15/criterion-plans-a-visit-to-the-island-of-lost-souls/utm_content=FaceBook

Wonderful news!

Happy Birthday D.C.!

Founded on this date in 1790. Byzantium. Am not sure what the official celebrations will consist of, but assume a crack pipe is involved.

http://washington.org/

Parking Notes

http://www.happyplace.com/4134/worlds-most-entertaining-windshield-notes

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

The cutting edge of Smartphone apps

http://www.happyplace.com/8944/boob-job-app-lets-you-put-boobs-on-nearly-anything

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

The latest on the human-powered helicopter

http://www.eng.umd.edu/html/news/news_story.php?id=5865

Very cool.

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

The Charlottesville Spirit Walk in October

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0z-ZcFAlP8

Great moments in dog funerals

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-state-of-nova/post/dale-city-man-sets-dog-house-on-fire/2011/07/13/gIQA3J3YDI_blog.html

Mad Fox Brewpub celebrates first anniversary

http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/gut-check/2011/07/14/mad-fox-brewing-company-celebrates-first-anniversary/

The return of Creem Magazine!

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/creem-set-to-return-to-the-newstand/?ref=music

Leaf Art

http://naturayarte.blogspot.com/p/inicio.html

Beautiful! Really impressive.

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Happy Birthday Roky Erickson!

Genius. Essential. Rock's madman. Another fave of mine.

http://www.rokyerickson.net/

http://www.rokyerickson.net/biography/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PJ21m2PfhU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHK9vj0VE7w

Happy Birthday Ian Curtis!

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

Genius. Essential. Lead singer for one of my all-time favorite bands, and one of the most important in the past thirty years. The soundtrack for when things fall apart...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pwGP3GpSBQ&feature=related

A nice article on the legendary Mel Blanc

http://www.tabletmag.com/arts-and-culture/72216/the-voice/

Paul performs Junior's Farm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEil2e_bUvg

Great power pop. I'm reasonably certain that this is the only Top 40 hit to chat about killing Nixon, (We all chip in for a bag of cement...).

Frankie Ford performs Sea Cruise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jke8f7B8ZRc

Classic New Orleans rock'n'roll.

Melanie performs Beautiful People

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

Yes, hippie naivete and optimism from my misspent youth. Just give me a break for a minute, okay?

Michelle Shocked's video for Come A Long Way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cJZyjF9PlQ&playnext=1&list=PLBAADB8AB8E99DCE0

I think 'Chelle is a treasure, and tragically ignored. This is my fave song by her. Cute video, too.

Drunk Monopoly - True Gamesmen

http://apps.facebook.com/blamesocietyfilms/?uf=1&abs=9&v=DZmkHekPolY

This is produced by the folks who do the series Chad Vader.

RoboVendor is now with the Nats

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/41193/last-call-for-the-robovendor-americas-most-popular-beer-man/

Wake-Up Call for the Shuttle from REM

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?collection_id=14554&media_id=101261101

Neat-O!

The Creepy Robot Mouth

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-07/moaning-mouth-bot-learns-croon-even-creepier-ever

Learn Klingon Online!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auqS6FR_RDE

Nice article on Don Fleming

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/click-track/post/be-specific-don-fleming-on-velvet-monkeys-new-solo-ep-and-the-other-side-of-dcs-punk-past/2011/07/13/gIQAJl6ZCI_blog.html

A stalwart of the DC punk scene. The Velvet Monkeys were great!

Back To Tubes!

http://www.miniwatt.com.hk/reviews-awards/n3-review.html

A new documentary on George Harrison is on the way

http://www.georgeharrison.com/#/news

Happy Birthday Woody Guthrie!

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wwghtml/

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaI5IRuS2aE

Happy National Grand Marnier Day!

Yum!

http://www.grand-marnier.com/cocktails-recipes/

fanvid for The Washington Squares performing Can't Stop The Rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc6GTxY6nJ8&feature=related

So cool, a pity they never went anywhere.

The tragedy of government shutdown

http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2011/07/13/minnesota_government_shutdown_miller_coors_forced_to_recall_beer.html?from=rss/&wpisrc=newsletter_slatest

What of the Children?!? (Actually, I continue to be amused by the folks who define Coors as "Beer"...). I got your Real Beer right here, Pal.

Weird Al VS The Titanic

http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6564138/and-the-band-played-on-featuring-weird-al-yankovic

Yes perform Roundabout

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xql99I1VSdI

My fave song by them.

The Beatles video for Rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_4E5LTSsvg

It's pouring outside the Manor right now, and this seemed appropriate.

The Small Faces perform Itchycoo Park

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDH0H-tos9A&feature=feedrec_grec_index

A classic from one of the great rock'n'roll bands.

The Ultimate Arrest

http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2011/07/13/news/doc4e1d921f8f8d8782954322.txt

T-Shirt for Teachers!

http://shop.fark.com/product/Every-Time-You-Make-a-Typo

Great moments in personal and professional responsibility

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1351468&srvc=home&position=comment

In a world positively teeming with lazy incompetents, I continue to be amazed that someone can drown in a nominally 'public' pool and not be noticed FOR TWO FUCKING DAYS. I mean, is this damn pool in Mordor?

Headline of the Day

http://www.patspapers.com/story_stack/item/8952/

Like Father, Like Son

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/looselips/2011/07/13/marion-barrys-son-charged-with-intent-to-distribute-pcp/

Ah yes, another example of the apple not falling far from the tree. I'll be curious if the Mayor-For-Life's immunity from any government prosecution for anything at all will extend to his charming offspring.

Johnny Depp to play Paul Revere and Carl Kolchak!

http://www.ifc.com/news/2011/07/johnny-depp-night-stalker-paul-revere.php

Sounds like fun!

And yet another fake band - Candy & The Slicers with gilda Radner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMF7JrPHT74&feature=player_embedded#at=164

And my friend Peter reminded me of the Way Outs from The Flintstones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obyuyajrz9g

And my friend Perry reminded me of Spinal Tap and The Rutles (How could I have forgotten!?)

Happy Birthday Patrick Stewart!

http://www.patrickstewart.org/psn/default.asp

Happy Birthday Patrick Stewart!

http://www.patrickstewart.org/psn/default.asp

Happy Birthday Roger McGuinn!

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

http://rogermcguinn.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LSTc-5Fn_Y&feature=related

Happy Birthday Cheech Marin!

http://www.cheechmarinonline.com/

Happy National Beans & Franks Day!

Yum!

Happy National French Fries Day!

Yum!

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

Soem more fake bands

(Thanks, Perry!)

the beau brummelstones from the flintstones http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKj3fjQ3S4Y

the impossibles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtqNkD8KuwA&feature=related

the mosquitoes on gilligan's isle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK_jq-Obv8s&feature=related

Next Time, We'll Be Ready

http://www.localnews8.com/video/28516596/index.html

They're planning a next time!?!

(Thanks for the link and title, Nick!)

Nice little interview with the actor William Schallert

http://www.startrek.com/article/william-schallert-remembers-nilz-baris-and-varani

I'm sorry there wasn't any real talk of the Patty Duke Show.I bet that there are some stories there.

Hand Soap

http://www.mcphee.com/shop/products/Hand-Soap.html

Top 23 Fake Bands

http://www.spinner.com/2011/07/12/fake-bands-in-movies/

Hmmm, I'd note that they missed the Banana Splits, as well as Lancelot Link & The Evolution Revolution. And who can forget Forrest Tucker and the rest of F Troop performing Mr. Tambourine Man.
And what of Star Trek's Space Hippies? And the brilliant Dick Shaun singing Love Power in The Producers - my personal fave. I'm sure there are many more. (Pete? Perry? Anyone? Any suggestions?)

RIP Sherwood Schwartz

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-sherwood-schwartz-20110713,0,7756481,full.story

The Wide World Of Sports!

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/408f598bfba1488c9bbd0a68c520c9a9/NE--Buffalo-Chip-Toss/

Diner en Blanc

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/06/dining/a-pop-up-paris-picnic-is-coming-to-new-york.html?_r=1&WT.mc_id=GN-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M209-ROS-0711-HDR&WT.mc_ev=click

This is so cool! I'd love to try this in Old Town, but am sure that the polizei would have a fit at the idea of anyone having fun.

"nothing appeared to be suspicious about the incident"...

http://fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110711/GJNEWS_01/707119961/0/FRONTPAGE

The cutting edge of sang-froid! Although I must admit, that I share the opinion that a dead body in a burning auto is nothing to get all worked about. Why, around here it's such a common occurrence that we rarely need street lights in the evening anymore, thanks to the warming glow of all the burning cars with dead bodies in them, (that aren't suspicious). Clearly, we inherited this quaint custom from those flinty New Hampshirites! And to the Captain Dumas' power of deduction and observation - Sir, We Salute You!

Gott NOT Mit Uns...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2013821/Nose-dive-Pilot-lands-World-War-One-Fokker-plane-propellor-gust-wind-scuppers-display.html

My Powers Are Beyond Your Understanding

(Sigh), I seem to have developed at least one super power, the ability to effortlessly get a garden hose tangled and kinked into knots so horrendous that it would make a Phrygian blanch. I've dealt with dozens of hoses over my lifetime, almost all of them "guaranteed" not to kink up on me. And all of them do. And when I set them down, no matter how carefully, when I pick them up again they are woven into a spaghetti-like hell. Half my time in the garden is spend untangling hoses - it never fails. I remember old posters put out by the boy scouts and sea scouts with pictures of all sorts of knots one could/should be able to make. Ha! I laugh at their puny efforts. Why, I can leave a simple garden hose draped out straight, end-to-end in the evening, and by the next morning it will have twisted itself into a non-euclidean horror that would blast Stephen Hawkings mind to bits. I have the gift, apparently. And now you'll excuse me, I have to go water the garden...

Brenton Wood performs Gimme A Little Sign

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9vrb27Bdeo&playnext=1&list=PL31BD76965A271969

I absolutely adore this song, a perfect example of mid-60's pop soul.

Traffic perfomrs Dear Mr. Fantasy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSQ1akE2CcM

Wonderful song from a wonderful band.

The Left Banke perform Desiree

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=026Ym7BVD2k

Classic mid-60's baroque rock.

Happy Birthday Alexandria, Virginia!

My hometown, founded in 1752.

http://alexandriava.gov/

Happy Birthday Christine McVie!

http://www.fmlegacy.com/Bios/biochristine.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npnGTnupBX0

Happy Birthday Bill Cosby!

http://www.billcosby.com/

Happy Birthday Bucky Fuller!

http://www.bfi.org/

Neat film of 3D printing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZboxMsSz5Aw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Very cool!

(Thanks for the link, Bill!)

RIP Rob Grill of the Grassroots

http://robgrill.com/

The Ultimate Urinal!

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/comments/guillotine_urinal/

What language is Mick Jagger singing?

http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/comments/what_language_is_mick_jagger_singing_in_here/

Holy Ultima Robin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85LUuF6ZXaU&feature=player_embedded

The Knights of BAdassdom

http://io9.com/5818352/have-summer-glau-and-peter-dinklage-made-the-greatest-movie-ever

This sounds fun!

Translating the Chinese found in Firefly

http://io9.com/5817976/what-do-the-chinese-characters-on-the-computers-in-serenity-and-firefly-actually-say

That's a serious fan...

The Twilight Zone meets Star Wars

http://io9.com/5818182/what-if-luke-skywalker-was-that-creepy-telekinetic-boy-from-the-twilight-zone

Fun stuff!

Belly Button Flora & Fauna

http://io9.com/5817753/our-bellybuttons-are-home-to-hundreds-of-undiscovered-species

fanvid for Hugh Masekela performing Grazing In The Grass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKcGCObEb28

Great tune. Another one for a hot afternoon.

Simon & Garfunkel perform The 59th Street Bridge Song

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

A Classic for a hot afternoon.

The Tubes perform White Punks On Dope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCIdzFHXh0E

Fun stuff!

The Undertones perform Teenage Kicks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAtUw6lxcis

One of the greatest rock songs, ever.

Hey There Cthulhu!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxScTbIUvoA&feature=feedf

Cute!

Crossword Vengeance!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/2011/07/11/news-of-the-world-staff-let-off-steam-with-cryptic-crossword-insults-115875-23262693/

Statue's Revenge...

http://www.ctpost.com/policereports/article/Naked-woman-found-dead-after-striking-church-1460300.php

A nice little article on weapons technology and how it can take some time to catch on

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmurph/articles/20110711.aspx

PEPCO's Number ONE!!!!!!

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2453857

And a well deserved honor, I must say. Bravo!

Dead Murderer

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/125204434.html

Does this qualify as a zombie attack?

Great moments in political stunts

http://www.startribune.com/local/north/125190954.html

Rogue Mathematician On The Lose!

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/07/07/protractors-mysteriously-placed-around-city-neighborhoods/?hpt=us_bn4

I prefer the drumstick...

http://weirdnews.aol.com/2011/07/08/three-legged-duck-in-china_n_892569.html#s304806&title=Threelegged_Duck

Germany VS Giant Spider

http://www.thelocal.de/society/20110709-36179.html

Here in America, we've learned to deal with this problem...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2ouqYZgBs

I Hate Everyone

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707151445.htm

Zen and The Art of Fascism

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/0708/In-Belarus-one-armed-man-arrested-for-clapping

The Bacon Alarm Clock

http://mattysallin.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/wake-n-bacon/

Happy Birthday Creature Feature!

13 years old today - the first and best online horror host site, run by DC's own legendary Count Gore De Vol!

http://countgore.com/gore/index.html

Happy Birthday Robert Bruce!

http://www.britannia.com/bios/robertbruce.html

Happy Birthday Bonnie Pointer!

http://bonniepointer.com/

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

fanvid for NRBQ performing Ridin' In My Car

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRK2o3EkOUw&feature=related

The 'Q' were one of those groups that were major stars in the DC market, and not much else, due to the efforts of our premiere radio station (at the time),WHFS. A great song, my favorite by them. And perfect for the time it came out (1978); You're young, think you're immune and immortal and in love, a beautiful illusion. See ya tomorrow...

The Supremes perform Stone Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rglxw5cbZWY&feature=fvwrel

And so it's the Summer of '74 and you're buzzing down the old Braddock Road at 70mph (this is when it was a little two lane blacktop leading to nowhere); the windows are wide open, you're gunning the engine, barely making the little windey turns on that (then) country road, and the tape player is blasting this tune out.

Alice Cooper performs Be My Lover

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yZmOpafga0

Ah yes, cruisin' along in the blazing sun of early 70's Summers, with this tune blasting out on the tape player. Classic.

fanvid for The Cookies performing I Never Dreamed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y02pzFQBhj0&feature=related

One of the great girl groups, almost forgotten now....

Barbara Lewis performs Make Me Your Baby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI6KiccgsLI

A brilliant performer and writer, criminally under-appreciated, Barbara is a Treasure.

Dusty Springfield performs Brand New Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W64nZTAzXag

Beautiful.

Firesign Theatre & Nick Danger!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5qFN0ImjoU&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6THxbpwUcvU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DdJw115LXk&feature=youtu.be

Genius. I love those guys...

Speed Camera Photo You're Unlikely To See Very Often

http://germanherald.com/news/Krazy_Krauts/2011-07-08/725/Horsing_Around

Wuss Britain

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8623138/Wet-sponge-throwing-event-cancelled-due-to-health-and-safety.html

I guess my idea of lawn jarts as a contact sport would be out too...

Criminal Description of the Day

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7646196.html

Ronald McDonald rejoices

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/dnainfo/eatery-offered-175-burger-goes-bankrupt-report-says-165229391.html

Yesterday was Odd Day

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2011-07-09-odd-day_n.htm

Making Everything Okay

http://make-everything-ok.com/

A White Rose Leaflet On Display

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-14044275

Forget about all the claptrap about the Prussian plots against hitler. They were just opportunistic cowards trying to save their own skin (and estates) when things started to look like they weren't going to rule the world and murder the rest of us. The White Rose were the real ideological heroes of Germany. A microscopic flicker of light in the darkness.

Sigh, the continuing hitler cult

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,683966,00.html

As I've pointed out before, despite some empty-headed fantasizing by himmler and the crackpots that he surrounded himself with, hitler despised "Asiatics" and is on record openly mocking and insulting them. Yes, it seems like every week the History or Military Channels are busy broadcasting all sorts of nazi/Indian/Tibetan/Aryan connections. The facts are simple, and well known to scholars of the period: virtually all of these expeditions and studies were fairly small-scale philosophical wet dreams by himmler, performed under his budget (and at the expense of other more practical tasks)and not treated seriously by the rest of the party, especially hitler. And yes, there were alliances between the Axis and various groups in the British Empire who hoped that such would lead to independence for their peoples, (the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Subhas Chandra Bose are the two leading examples). But there alliances were quite cynical on the part of both sides. And these folks would have been, at absolute best, puppet fronts for client states/colonies of the Axis. Sorry, but non-Nordic/Germanics who would worship nazism are just proving how pathetically and suicidally ignorant they are.

(Thanks for the link, Infidel753!)

The Ultimate Bookstore?

http://historiesofthingstocome.blogspot.com/2011/07/wonders-of-millennial-world-1-el-ateneo.html

Beautiful!!!

(Thanks for the link, Infidel753!)

BUBBLES!!!!

http://tywkiwdbi.blogspot.com/2011/07/giant-bubbles.html

Fun stuff!

(Thanks for the link, Infidel753!)

Joy Riding

http://weirdnews.aol.com/2011/07/07/intoxicated-men-off-road-alligator-_n_892697.html#s303094&title=Monkey_Photographs_Self

Ronald McDonald history

http://weirdnews.aol.com/2011/07/07/rare-ronald-mcdonald-costume_n_885499.html

The story of Willard being the first is well known around DC. He never made a penny off of it, and has kept the REAL first costume under lock and key from the suits at McD's.

I'm going to get a titanium nose

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Titanium-plate-saves-man-shot-in-nose

Neat steampunk spider necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77468401/gothic-steampunk-necklace-spider-web

A little record store humor from The Onion

http://www.theonion.com/articles/nation-in-love-with-girl-from-record-store,309/

I miss those days....

We're Number Six!

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2453225

Actually, we're Number One. Sorry to be a snob, but none of those other burgs qualify as real cities....

Mad Fox Brewpub

http://madfoxbrewing.com/

Finally got around to visiting this place, had heard many nice things about it, and a bunch of friends and us went there (thanks for organizing the expedition, Karen!). I liked it, had a strong IPA called a Molotov Hoptail. The food was good, there's a parking garage right behind the place, and a tolerable noise level. . They also offer a selection of meads and pub ciders from various places that I'm not familiar with, so will be trying them out, soon.

My Neighbor Klaatu

http://awesome.good.is.s3.amazonaws.com/transparency/web/1107/space-invaders/flash.html

(Thanks for the link and title, Mathew!)

Happy Birthday Arlo Guthrie!

http://www.arlo.net/

Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla!

http://www.teslasociety.com/biography.htm

Happy Teddy Bear Picnic Day!

http://www.teddybearemp.com/

Nice film of hang gliding over Telluride

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0WdWMOgnw4

So cool...

Australian Parliament Meets Rocky Horror & The Hokey Pokey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lpGP50CSBw

I'm holding out for the Lambada...

The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction to be made available online!

http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/

Tubes documentary now online!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1JRAm8L4no

Special 30th Anniversary Call Of Cthulhu Edition!

http://catalog.chaosium.com/product_info.php?products_id=6587

I can feel my sanity draining away....

Happy Birthday Lee Hazlewood!

http://www.somevelvetmorning.net/

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

Weird genius. A combination of country, lounge and rock.

Happy Birthday Richard Roundtree!

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

Happy Birthday Richard Roundtree!

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

the increasing cynicism and silliness of mohameddism

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-rahnema/iran-politics_b_890424.html

A nation of idiots.

Mel Brooks retrospective coming out on DVD!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/mel-brooks-tells-stories-ive-209265

Headline (and article) of the Day

http://gawker.com/5819464/woman-dies-of-allergic-reaction-to-the-dog-she-had-sex-with

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

A neat blog devoted to the old Lincoln Highway

http://brianbutko.wordpress.com/2011/07/07/emily-rons-lincoln-highway-adventures/

It's about to rain here at the Manor

The clouds are rolling in and there's thunder rumbling across the treetops as I'm typing this, and I'm dreaming of Colorado. It's time for a little Johnny Rivers...

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

Eddie Floyd performs Knock On Wood

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

Another great R&B mainstay.

Desmond Dekker performs 007 (Shanty Town)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wUfmhtOL-k

A minor classic.

Gladys Knight & The Pips perform I Heard It Through The Grapevine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvwP72FuVg

Wonderful version.

If he'd just pay me what he's spending to make me stop robbing him, I'd stop robbing him.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/08/us-heist-trains-idUSTRE7673UJ20110708?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough

Great sign graffiti

http://www.happyplace.com/4286/brilliantly-sarcastic-responses-to-completely-well-meaning-signs

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

Watch odler episodes of Count Gore de Vol online!

http://blip.tv/count-gore

Songs of Cthulhu

http://www.myspace.com/dvoidband/music/songs/the-history-of-the-necronomicon-76220316

Dylan's nod to The Big Man

http://www.examiner.com/bob-dylan-in-national/bob-dylan-s-little-tribute-to-the-big-man-clarence-clemons

I believe that this is how Planet of the Apes begins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhxqIITtTtU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

(Thanks for the link, Evan!)

Neat little performance - tay9andahalf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKcChGsDqnU&feature=player_embedded#at=42

She's pretty good, and has a bunch of other videos out.

Happy Birthday Marty Feldman!

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

A nice article about the Monkees and the R&R Hall of Fame

http://www.goldminemag.com/blogs/no-monkee-business-allowed-in-the-rock-hall-of-fame

I rather like this article, because it does touch on some good points within pop culture. With the exception of a couple of Nesmith cuts, none of the songs on the first two albums were written by them. Is that important for legitimacy? If so, my next question is how legitimate does that make Elvis? And does not playing your own instruments disqualify a group from the HofF? If so, please explain the Beach Boys to me, (or most Soul groups). It all comes down to the definition of a curious term; "legitimacy" - and I'm not sure I'm smart/arrogant enough to really tackle that. One could argue that the Monkees were put together by businessmen. Fair enough. So were Peter, Paul & Mary, as well as the Sex Pistols, (and probably more than a couple of 'super groups'). Does that mean you're beneath contempt? I think the issues get murkier the more you look. I wouldn't want to be an absolutist like some of the rock critic snobs out there.

just another day in the District

http://wonkette.com/449035/d-c-councilmember-spent-poor-childrens-money-at-hooters-golf-clubs#more-449035

I used to argue for voting rights for the District. Now I argue for martial law....

Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers perform Why Do Fools Fall In Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvUW0n2TdWs

I love this song.

The Jimmy Castor Bunch performs Troglodite

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNS42Na2mpc&feature=related

Classic!

Bobby Fischer - "genius" and asshole

http://www.tnr.com/book/review/endgame-frank-brady

This sounds like a pretty interesting book, although I suspect that from my point of view, the review of it here is enough for me. Full disclosure: despite being a fanatical and life-long gamer, my expertise has been in wargaming, miniatures and role playing games. I am a terrible chess player - perhaps the worst of all time. I doubt I've ever won any of the several dozen games that I played in my youth, (I don't think I've touched a board in thirty years). So it may sound a little churlish of me when I say that I'm not quite impressed with it. Is someone a "genius" if they're very good, even perfect at it? A game? You're comparing a game to Newton and his physics? I'm not even convinced it's the ultimate game. My own votes would go to the Oriental game of Go, or perhaps five card draw poker, (and maybe my beloved Diplomacy). I mean, each have their advantages and disadvantages. But frankly, I'd argue that Go is much more sophisticated and subtle, and Diplomacy has the added advantage of being immune to wins by number crunching computers as occurs in Chess, (I don't negotiate with glorified toasters - I crush them....).
And as someone who has been around the nerdish worlds of wargaming, rpg's, sci-fi, fantasy, cult TV, etc. I have to ask about the possibility of turning around the psycho-analysis of "chess genius is mad because he's a chess genius" to one of "insane geek is chess genius because that's all that's left for him to do." I mean, seriously, hang around a wargame shop or a sci-fi convention long enough, and you're going to run into a lot of mini-Bobby Fischers. I guarantee it. And some are just as big an asshole as he was. (Look at the character of 'comic Book Guy' on the Simpsons....) They gravitate to hobbies like that by pure magnetism. Many of them become quite knowledgeable, even expert, in the hobby, or some obscure aspect of it. Generally because that's all they have - it's not like they're going out on dates, having fine careers, or learning about personal hygiene... And one out of a million becomes so focused, that they become the uber-nerd, (still no contact with soap and a bathwater, however). It's just the odds playing out. And I guess I just don't see anything particularly unusual with that. Especially if you have at least a small crowd of fellow nerds encouraging and enabling that behavior and expertise.
Again, I love games, the design and play of them is something very enjoyable to me, and the camaraderie with my fellow gamers is something I cherish. But genius? I'd much rather equate that with something in the world. Show me the person(s) who cures a disease or develops a new engineering principle, or figures some way to drive through Tyson's Corner at Rush Hour in less than 90 minutes - now that's a mental activity in the REAL world - dealing with all the challenges (without a rule book) that can fly in unexpectedly. To me, THAT'S genius.

Add the spark of romance to your marriage!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/07/07/husband-built-electric-chair-to-kill-wife-who-demanded-divorce-115875-23252665/

(Thanks for the link, Mike!)

Rock Around The Clock at #1!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjBDK35FRjo

On this date in 1955.

Wuss America

http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/oak-park-battles-city-over-vegetable-garden-in-their-front-yard

Obviously the yelps of economic hardship and bankruptcy emanating from Michigan are nothing more than crocodile tears, given that they have time, and bureaucrats, to super-define exactly what constitutes a "suitable" plant and protect us from the dread basil menace. It's amusing to see the drones of city government outlawing vegetables. Careful boys - you're closer than you think....

The cutting edge of worm gathering

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/125110874.html

Good News - Germans still can't win in WWII

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2012011/Man-shot-cannon-pretending-German-July-4-WW2-reenactment.html?ITO=1490

Southside & Litte Steven - Together!

http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/springsteen/2011/07/03/little-steven-joins-southside-johnny-on-stone-pony-stage/#axzz1RKzhgQpt

Cool!

A birthday cake for a little girl who loves Star Wars

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-XQpDmeN4sIT-UjzBJRMGJDjQcDcyJSxmjxMwpB0rgD0gBliUQnSuZ8Z_msMszUWRKhiNZTjK_zRvP-ZYIEUo9Xc2aZpSXCuJ-Fw7i2Qy6jXYmOu4NJk_3XVw0BCdJd0CNaBZQ/s1600/jessica+har.ow.darth+vader+little+pony.jpg

The Contours perform Do You Love Me (Not That I Can Dance)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke4rJwRApEk

Cute soul song!

Rare Firesign Theatre Radio & TV Ads Online!

http://firesigntheatre.com/fstads/fstads_jp.html

Happy Birthday to Good Eats!

Premiered on this date in 1999. My fave cooking show.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/good-eats/index.html

Happy Birthday Ringo!

http://www.ringostarr.com/

Happy National Strawberry Sundae Day!

Yum!

Happy National Strawberry Sundae Day!

Yum!

The Great Escape - Parts I & II

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRz7v2vtHDQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LM3Fn1kUo8

Fun stuff!

(Thanks for the links and title, Mathew!)

An oldie but goody: Silent Star Wars

http://nationallampoon.com/videos/video-silent-star-wars-via-alyssa_milano

The best (free) publicity for heavy metal - Ever

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/great-white-sharks-attracted-to-acdc.htm

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

Britain's Oldest Jet

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-14031264

Pretty neat! Someone will have to clue in the "experts" at the History and Military Channels that not only nazis were capable of that technology.

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

The cutting edge of product placement - in Hell

http://gawker.com/5818714/product-placement-goes-back-in-time

This just gets sillier and sillier....

(Thanks for the link and title, Mathew!)

Alexandria Civil War History - with Peeps

http://alexandriava.gov/historic/civilwar/default.aspx?id=48872

fanvid for Donna Summer performing I Feel Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06a_Xi1AU9s&feature=related

Has that ultra cold Giorgio Moroder production to it. I think it works well in small doses, but could never get used to the heavy airplay that it got back in '77.

fanvid for the Soul Survivors performing Expressway To Your Heart

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

A wonderful blue-eyed version of Philly Soul.

Modern Urban Archaeology in London

http://www.silentuk.com/?p=2792#more-2792

Pretty neat!

(Thanks for the link, John!)

Anniversary fo the release of the B-52's!

On this date in 1979. Great album.

http://theb52s.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_B-52%27s_%28album%29

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EPP3gkh_00

Happy Birthday, Jefferson Airplane!

Formed on this date in 1965. I love this band.

http://www.jeffersonairplane.com/

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

Happy Birthday to A Hard Day's Night!

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD4TAgdS_Xw

Happy Birthday Pat Paulsen!

http://www.paulsen.com/archive.html

Happy Birthday Jennifer Saunders!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0766837/

http://www.jsaunders.alexicon.org/

Absolutely Essential, Sweety Darling!

Happy Birthday Bill Haley!

http://www.billhaley.com/

Happy Birthday John Paul Jones!

http://www.history.navy.mil/bios/jones_jp.htm

Another great Patriot. Spiritual "Father" of the United States Navy. A commander who sought out victory. "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way."
And I wish I had that kind of guts...

Happy Birthday Joshua Barney!

http://www.history.navy.mil/bios/barney_josa.htm

A great Patriot, almost forgotten now....

Happy Birthday Daniel Morgan!

A Patriot - and one of our Best. Probably the finest American tactical commanders of the Revolution - maybe of all time. Totally defeated that worthless bastard Tarleton and showed him up for the total coward that he was. One of my all-time fave American Heroes.

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

Happy National Fried Chicken Day!

Yum!

Denver is VERY medical....

http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/07/05/070511-news-pot-critic-1-2/

The Last Ghost Car....

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/868409-last-remaining-ghost-car-expected-to-fetch-up-to-300-000-at-auction

Neat-O!

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Good News - We're Real!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/05/137634397/physicists-almost-certain-the-universe-is-not-a-hologram?ft=1&f=1001

Damn! there goes my excuse about not dieting....

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Summer...

And so, with the passing of the 4th, we enter into what I would describe as the middle of Summer. It's a sauna out around the Manor today, with clouds of gnats and bugs whose attacks I would describe as moving up to the category of Rape. And, as usual, I am reminded of tunes from Summers past. Enjoy!

The First Class - Beach Baby. A guilty pleasure. Most people I know can't stand this thing, but I love it. From the confusing, sweaty, and dangerous Summer of '74.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii4ON7XHGCA&feature=related

War - Summer. Probably my fave song by a great and innovative band. I think it captures a hot lazy afternoon perfectly. If I remember correctly this was a hit in '76.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQSWwfYRmfE

Marvin Gaye - Too Busy Thinking 'Bout My Baby. From the late Spring and early Summer of '69. My fave song by Marvin. The soundtrack for when things are going right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z76RDhkB-6c&feature=related

The Lovin' Spoonful - Summer In The City. From '66. More than once this tune has rattled around in my head while shuffling through DC in the heat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWXcjYNZais

Starbuck - Moonlight Feels Right. From emotional, confusing and perplexing Summer of 1976. So accurate that it's scary. (This one's for you, Edmund!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCuQQcISZTM

Vanity Fair - Hitchin' A Ride. From 1970. Always liked this song, although I never hitched a ride.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EHRcvncg&feature=fvst

nazi sea monkeys

http://www.theawl.com/2011/06/the-shocking-true-tale-of-the-mad-genius-who-invented-sea-monkeys

As the article points out, this is actually pretty old news. But I think it's a nice reminder of how twisted some folks get. Jewish nazis - sheesh! Herr braunhut lived in NoVa, (and frequented one of my fave restaurants). I always enjoyed the kitsch value of sea monkeys, even now - but can't stand the idea of paying money to this clown, or his estate.

Ellen tries out the Hawaii Chair!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHiqVygN-w0

Classic!

(Thanks for the link, Mike!)

God is still on the Union's side...

http://www.wgal.com/news/28438957/detail.html

Teachers' Trophy Tintinnabulation Terrorizes Tots!

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0704/breaking28.html

I always cry at weddings - now I have a reason to

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-14003233

Congratulations jennifer hughes and montgomery county!

http://reason.com/blog/2011/07/01/reasontv-the-war-on-lemonade-s

Well done, jenny - way to earn a paycheck! The drones of our Nation salute you!

Happy Birthday to Earth VS The Flying Saucers!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o4fdX8gUMY

Premiered on this date, (I think - information is pretty limited on this one). One of the best of the "drive-in sci-fi" movies.

Happy Birthday Bill Watterson!

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

Creator of Calvin & Hobbes. Genius.

8:22

Just heard the first fireworks of the night going off...

fanvid for X performing 4th of July

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbUsNeyNDJ0

One of my fave songs by one of the great American rock'n'roll bands.

Bruce performs 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usb9N2czOO8

A beautiful tune for the day, this one always reminds me of Danny Federici and his accordion.

My Drunk Kitchen for the 4th of July!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKf0GirR0-A

Love this little show.

Faux History & Importance

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/bicentennial-wagon-train-signatures-are-lost-pieces-of-american-past/2011/06/30/AGo7zxwH_story.html

Yawn. Sorry, but all this points out is how ephemeral corporate advertising events are. And that's all this really is, (and, as usual, backed up with government money). There are many examples, (the obscene advertising orgy over the refurbished Statue of Liberty a few decades back is an obvious one). The "scrolls" were thrown out forty years ago, as soon as they'd lost their marketing appeal, along with old feel-good knick-knacks and gimcrack from a thousand other campaigns: Happy Meals trinkets, Esso tiger tails, etc. (I suppose people can console themselves - their signatures were buried - but in landfill.)

Signers of the Declaration of Independence beign recognized and honored

http://news.yahoo.com/never-too-declaration-signers-being-honored-235955461.html

Nice article on the current state of anti-ageing research

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/04/us-ageing-cure-idUSTRE7632ID20110704?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth1100

The last draftee

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jul/3/last-vietnam-era-draftee-retiring-army/

Canned wine from Colorado

http://www.coloradowinepress.com/2011/07/bens-bubbly-infinite-monkey-theorem.html

Sacrilege...

Happy Birthday Rube Goldberg!

http://www.rubegoldberg.com/

Genius. Essential.

Happy Independence Day!

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

Lost film from VJ DAy in Hawaii

http://vimeo.com/5645171

Pretty neat!

(Thanks for the link, Rob!)

Pumpkin Car!

http://ht.ly/5vDez

Needless to say, I want one of these.

Cute jack-o-lanterns for sale

http://ht.ly/5vDml

fanivd for Bruce performing Zero & Blind Terry

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

http://www.springsteenlyrics.com/lyrics/z/zeroandblindterry.php

I guess it's been commercially released now, but for decades it was known only by old bootlegs. A great mini-epic with wonderful imagery and symbolism. At least for some of us, we've all been Zero at times,hikin'the streets of the sky....

Anniversary of the death of Jim Morrison in 1971

http://www.thedoors.com/index2.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLXWY844FBo&feature=fvsr

Happy Eat Beans Day!

http://www.anasazibeans.com/

Happy Build A Scarecrow Day!

http://www.spookyblue.com/halloween/scarecrow/scarecrow.htm

Shenandoah Brewing Saved?

http://dcbeer.com/2011/06/24/shenandoah-brewing-confirms-sell-last-day-of-business/

I hope so, and I hope the new owner still allows folks to brew their own. Linda and I spend many an evening 10+ years ago out there brewing and bottling away!

Kirk meets the other Captains

http://io9.com/5816677/watch-as-william-shatner-hunts-down-and-harasses-every-generation-of-star-trek-captain

This sounds so silly I've just got to see it!

Beware of Kiwis bearing shot glasses!

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/06/23/horse-semen-shots-hit-with-kiwi-connoisseurs/#ixzz1QQp2zDji

Y'know, I'll try just about anything - twice. Fried beetles, meal worms, mountain oysters, sheep AND beef brains, steak tartar, eel, frogs, 100 year old eggs, etc.; and am still on the lookout to try more, if I can find them prepared well (chitlins, blowfish, geoduck, Philippine balut,). But I think I've met my match, here...

(Thanks for the link and title, Dennis!)

Virginia stops Mikatonic Institute For Advanced Cthulhu Studies

http://grimreviews.blogspot.com/2011/06/virginia-terminates-miskatonic.html

Humph! I believe this qualifies as religious persecution!

July 4th - When we celebrate something involving freedom from someone else

http://maristpoll.marist.edu/71-independence-day-dummy-seventeen-seventy-when/

I despair.

For all of you Dr. Who fans...

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2005/07/dr-whoacutes-inflatable-dalek/

(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

Bruce performs Rosalita

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE-As3lLOpg&feature=related

Classic. A great representation of the joy and freedom in Rock'N'Roll.

The gift for that UFO fanatic in your life

http://www.x-tremegeek.com/roswell-ufo-crash-site-soil.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=946451&hq_l=3&hq_v=9d8a80bce4

Firesign Theatre News!

http://www.firesigntheatre.com/20110628.html

Happy Birthday to the Airplane!

Premiered on this date in 1980. Brilliant. Essential.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080339/

Happy Birthday Shaft!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067741/

Premiered on this date in '71. Great flic!

Happy Birthday to Plan 9 From Outer Space!

One of my faves. Premiered on this date in 1959.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052077/

Happy Birthday Professor Roy Bittan!

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

Happy Birthday Hermann Hesse!

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

Happy Birthday Paul Williams of the Temptations!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Williams_%28The_Temptations%29

The dangers of eating bacon...

http://gawker.com/5817358/grandma-assaults-grandson-with-garden-hose-for-eating-too-much-bacon

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

July is Dungeon Master Appreciation Month!

My fave D&D Holiday!

Bruce performs Darkness On The Edge Of Town

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqGld8_HpOQ

This was an amazing show...

Chesapeake Crabs Doing Okay

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2444472

A fine old regional tradition.

The Scottish Wedding

http://www.happyplace.com/4110/bridal-dress-skidmark-causes-drunken-brawl-at-scottish-wedding-reception

(Thanks for the link, Audrey!)

Best Horror Stories of Karl Wagner being published!

http://singular--points.blogspot.com/2011/06/best-horror-stories-of-karl-edward.html

Another of my fave authors. I'll definitely be picking these up. (His story, "Sticks", is a masterwork and I suspect was a partial inspiration for The Blair Witch Project).

New and reissued Cthulhu stuff on the way!

http://www.orionbooks.co.uk/books/eldritch-tales-hardback

http://nightshadebooks.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=201

http://www.amazon.com/Call-Cthulhu-Other-Weird-Stories/dp/0143106481/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1308426369&sr=1-1

Chinese photo techniques are as good as their health and safety standards

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2009957/Photoshop-picture-Chinese-officials-inspecting-road-ridiculed-world.html

They might as well be taping crayon drawings on their refrigerators...

Whopper Bars

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2011-06-30-fast-food-restaurants-offering-alcohol_n.htm

Ultimately, I couldn't care less what a bunch of lousy corporate stalls that I never visit choose to sell. But I can only imagine beer turning these already sketchy places into tough dives. Remember when they were focused on kids? (As bad as that might have been). Now it's going to be winos, out of control frat boys, and last-ditch alchies.

Weirdness

Friday, July 22, 2011

Only 100 Days Until Halloween!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Fungi From Yuggoth Returns To The Manor!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Happy National Hot Dog Day!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Happy National Ice Cream Day!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Happy National Caviar Day!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Some upcoming conventions of interest:

Friday, July 15, 2011

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Happy National Beans & Franks Day!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Soem more fake bands