Neverendingwonder Halloween Radio is on the air!

http://www.neverendingwonder.com/

Another of my faves.  A wonderful resource for Halloween and horror music, broadcast through the month of October.  Essential!

Gothtober Begins! (I hope...)

http://www.gothtober.com/

The site's not been updated, yet. This is one of my favorite little web ventures. Every day in October they post a new video short dealing with the season. Some are cute, some are weird, some are unfathomable.Fun stuff!  And hopefully it'll be gearing up tomorrow.

Hearing yourself for the first time

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/30/sloan-churman-deaf-woman-_n_989220.html?1317407492&icid=maing-grid7|aim|dl1|sec1_lnk2|100567

Very touching. I love technology when it's used like this.

The Food Network's 'Halloween Wars' is coming up on the 2nd

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1661575.php/Food-Network-Halloween-Wars-comes-Sunday-October-2nd

Some tunes for the Season

Halloween theme
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq6pekM6sZQ

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMnbw-AM4VA

The Dream Syndicate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0iiSQXTkB0

Sonic Youth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2wjke8DFqA&feature=fvst

A nice article on the death (and life!) of record stores

http://www.grammy.com/news/still-spinning

Sigh...the good ol' days. 


(Thanks for the link, Erik!)

My fave Pumpkin Patch in NoVA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THfQ7nFZ1_E

The selection is great.  I always spend a small fortune here.

Happy National Hot Mulled Cider Day!

Yum!

Happy Eve of the Black Month!

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

Neat-O! Halloween Time Begins!!!

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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us5XR4tOrAg

Top 10 cities for book lovers

http://livability.com/top-10-cities-book-lovers

First of all, I once again question the designation of "city" to some of these burgs.  But I am gratified to see that Portland, Oregon is #1 and C'Ville close behind.  I am more than a little surprised to see that D.C., New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Madison, Wisconsin aren't mentioned.  Would be curious what criteria were used, here....


(Thanks for the link, Erik!)

The War of the Worlds in 30 seconds, with bunnies

http://waroftheworlds.visibli.com/share/ZBcn5Z

The Poe Museum Lives!

http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-poe-museum-in-richmond-open-20110928,0,5940920.story

I  like this place.  Well worth visiting if you're a Poe fan.

Some tunes for the Season

Kolchak The Night Stalker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xfl0m6U8IE

Michael Jackson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP411WwvzbM

Bo Diddley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnqlLs1NR1M

Jumpin' Gene Simmons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrh-7PvbBM4

Mr. Penguin

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/29/us-belgium-penguin-idUSTRE78S42220110929?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough

Cthulhu Christmas Sweater!

http://www.mcphee.com/shop/products/Cthulhu-Christmas-Sweater.html

Happy Birthday Jasper Maskelyne - The War Magician

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

http://magic.about.com/od/biosonfamousmagicians/a/War-Magician-Jasper-Maskelyne.htm

Maskelyne's story is a fascinating one, and deeply disputed. The facts, the myths, and the lies all roll up into one. A magical trick in itself, some would say. He was either one of the greatest magicians of all time, and a savior to British operations in North Africa, or a complete mountebank. Or something in between. Take your pick. I am an agnostic, but his story, (real or not) is a fascinating one.

Happy Birthday Jerry Lee Lewis!

http://www.jerryleelewis.com/#index

Happy Birthday Tommy Boyce!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSMUtLHPH7Y

Happy Birthday to The Prisoner

My all-time #1 fave TV show. Debuted (in the UK) on this date in 1967. Absolutely Essential to modern living. Welcome to The Village. We're all Pawns, my Dear...

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

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

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

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

The restoration of Ozzie & Harriet?

http://www.prnewschannel.com/2011/09/20/ozzie-and-harriet-uses-internet-to-kickstart-tv-restoration/

I suppose this is nice. I certainly remember watching it as a kid. But I don't remember it being all that interesting. Perhaps my memory fails me.

Doritos Burial

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/28/us-doritos-burial-idUSTRE78R22V20110928?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough

Pupmkin Patches around the DC area

http://dc.about.com/od/childrensactivities/a/pumpkinpatches.htm?nl=1

A subway for the Jedi

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/09/tokyo-subway-gets-lightsaber-handrails-to-promo-star-wars-blu-ray/

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Some tunes for the Season

The Marketts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_V3TX4dfdU

The Five Blobs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1G8hI7aSSc

The Meteors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gZ2FTVzC7w

The X-Files
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDZBgHBHQT8

Andy Rooney retires - the end of an era

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/27/60minutes/main20112444.shtml

And yet another reason to hate Facebook

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2042573/Facebook-privacy-issues-Social-network-watching-youre-logged-out.html

Happy Birthday Janeane Garofalo!

http://www.janeanegarofalo.com/

Happy Crack Nut Day!

An obscure English and Scottish holiday I am single handedly ressurecting.

http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/septdays2.html

Happy Drink Beer Day!

Yum!

http://www.stonebrew.com/

Some tunes for the Season

Jefferson Airplane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvt9tPROzc

Screamin' Jay Hawkins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orNpH6iyokI

Sheb Wooley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9H_cI_WCnE

The Twilight Zone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVSRm80WzZk

Frankenstein's Moon...

http://news.yahoo.com/scientist-sky-confirms-shining-moon-behind-frankenstein-224125429.html

Mayor-For-Life

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2456523

I don't know what all this "EX-Mayor" crap in the Post is all about. Marion was, is, and always will be THE ONE.

An ad for Paxton Manor in Leesburg, VA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eyMN8xIhxw&feature=share

http://www.shocktober.org/

A haunting in NoVa.

The Nail Gun & The Necronomicon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX_XRs-VGew&feature=player_embedded

Hysterical!

(Thanks for the link, Jesse!)

We're #1! We're #1!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-area-is-no-1-nationwide-in-traffic-congestion-study-says/2011/09/26/gIQAtzij0K_story.html?hpid=z3

YES!

The Sponge Lady

http://www.twitvid.com/YMLK3

Fun stuff!

(Thanks for the link, Mike!)

Happy Birthday Zacherley!

http://www.zacherley.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIq_tRKfO4I

Happy Birthday Randy Bachman!

http://www.randybachman.com/

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

Happy Birthday Mr. Loaf!

http://meatloaf.net/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK-FRac7m58

Happy Birthday Thomas Nast!

Greatest American political cartoonist.  Creator of the modern image of Santa Claus.

http://www.historybuff.com/library/refnast.html

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

Happy Birthday Sam Adams!

A great Patriot, and one of my personal faves.  I consider him one of the four 'Essential Men' of the Revolution. 

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/adams_s.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0312848/sadams.htm

Happy Ancestor Appreciation Day!

http://history.holidays.net/index.php?title=Ancestor_Appreciation_Day

Some tunes for the Season

Roky Erickson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcGb24n9hvM

The Addams Family
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVDJvrBFDDc

Paul Roland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY10SCgzOZU

Country Joe & The Fish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4WeqP2G6pI

Happy Devil's Blackberry Day!

On this date, (per Scottish legend), the Devil pisses on all the blackberries, making them inedible and dangerous. You've been warned...

http://wilsonsalmanac.blogspot.com/2004/09/eat-your-blackberries-before-devil.html

Happy Birthday Abbey Road!

Released on this date in 1969.

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

http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/beatles-engineer-geoff-emerick-on-abbey-road-219542

Happy Birthday Gilligan's Island!

Premiered on this date in 1964. 

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

http://www.gilligansisle.com/

Happy Birthday Bryan Ferry!

http://www.bryanferry.com/

Some tunes for the Season

The Munsters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuHr00nxeew

Alice Cooper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvVH5evrrUY

Seatrain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6X9Ns_wZQQ

Blue Oyster Cult
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KhMomocD28

Happy Birthday to The Rocky Horror Picture Show!!!

One of my faves. Premiered on this date in 1975. A classic of mid-70's debauchery.

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

http://www.rockyhorror.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5MHNvOVl8Y

http://www.trannyconcubines.com/

Happy National One-Hit-Wodner Day!

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6atUODsWGs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR47TZdJg64

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULgzVm2q8SA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfX7HS1prJc&feature=related

Some tunes for the Season

As we head into the Halloween season, let's explore some appropriate tunes:

The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa1i375FuGw

Bewitched:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1ilRgNsYoA

Frank Zappa:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A175TP5dtP0

Elvira:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGUbIyv8GWg

Lovecraft Letters!

http://www.yog-sothoth.com/threads/21593-Lovecraftian-Letters-Magnetic-Words-from-HPL

This looks pretty neat.  You know those little magnet sets of words you can put up on your frig?  Well, here's one I could use...

A nice little article about Frank Belknap Long

http://miskatonicbooks.wordpress.com/2011/08/27/frank-belknap-long-sr-jr/

A great horror writer.

The Friends of Old-Time Radio Convention

http://www.lofcom.com/nostalgia/fotr/update11.php3

New info on Depp and Dark Shadows!

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/09/22/johnny-depps-true-dark-shadows-vampire/

I am sooo looking forward to this. 

Hey Jude

It hit #1 on this date in '68.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMTqvhV_nDM&feature=fvst

Happy Birthday Gerry Marsden!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08083BNaYcA

Happy Birthday Jim Henson!

Genius.  Essential.  An American Treasure.

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

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

http://www.jimhensonlegacy.org/

Happy National Punctuation Day!

http://www.nationalpunctuationday.com/

The white wash continues

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2039592/Rommel-family-fury-film-portrays-Desert-Fox-war-criminal-upstart-Hitlers-pet.html

Sigh.  Regular readers will know of my disdain at the whole "good german"  myth.  It is a lie perpetrated first of all by the Germans, for obvious reasons; and secondly by the U.S. which, since the early 50's felt a stronger and stronger need for a Germany that was re-militarized and fully in the NATO camp for a war to defend against the Soviets.  Rommel, like virtually all german generals was an enthusiastic supporter of hitler AND his policies - until they started to lose the war.  Then, going against their own enthusiastic sworn oaths, they turned tail and tried to assassinate their leader in an attempt to curry favor with the Allies before the Russians could overrun their estates in Prussia and burn out their cities from the Western air forces.  Rommel turned, not because of some great principle, but because he knew that after El Alamein, it was all over.  The long slide had begun.  And he didn't want to go down with the ship.  Understandable, but hardly noble, and having nothing whatsoever to due with any liberal anti-nazi stand.  The sad fact of the matter is that the REAL opposition to hitler and nazism in germany was small, scattered, futile, and doomed to failure.  Heroes, one and all, but doomed. 

Happy Birthday to Butch & Sundance!

One of my favorite movies.  Premiered on this date in 1969.

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

Happy Birthday Santo!

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

Happy Birthday Bruce!

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

http://backstreets.com/

http://www.myspace.com/brucespringsteen

Happy Birthday Ray Charles!

http://raycharles.com/

Genius.  Essential.  An American Treasure.

Happy Birthday to The Music Scene!

Wonderful music show.  Premiered on this date in 1969.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063932/

Happy Birthday Joan Jett!

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

Things that go bump in the Night...

I've always had an interest in the outre. And it is around this time of year, and up till Halloween, that the media is most likely to focus on stories about local folklore, the occult, ghosts and hauntings. I try to keep an eye out for items that occur within the region, (say, 125 miles from DC). If you, dear reader, see anything online in this vein, I'd appreciate you passing it along to me. I kind of collect them.
And for those of you interested in such pursuits, I'll direct you to my other blog, Magick Theatre, where I link to the most interesting articles and websites.

Happy Autumn Equinox!

And so, we are left with cooler breezes, longer shadows, and the drawing back of life. You're in my territory, now...

Vanishing Cruise Passengers...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2040248/Why-165-people-gone-missing-cruise-ships-recent-years.html

This sounds pretty frightening.  Mugging and then murder.  No bodies to be found, no authorities (really), and a cruise line anxious to avoid publicity.  Perfect setting. 

The Anglo-American War of 1930

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2039453/How-America-planned-destroy-BRITAIN-1930-bombing-raids-chemical-weapons.html

I think this article is a way too breathless in its telling of this tale.  I am not surprised in the least by such plans having been written up.  This is what military staffs do in peacetime to keep busy.  And supposedly, to keep sharp and be ready for any contingency.  I've known of a similar Canadian invasion plan from about 20 years earlier.  I've no doubt that there's even one for today, moldering away in some Pentagon basement.  It's not serious.  And talking about moving a supply depot from point A to point B as a prelude to war - don't make me laugh.  America's Navy was in pretty fine shape in the 1930's in my opinion.  But the Army had been gutted.  Yes, there were resentments, but there were also many close ties between Britain and the States at that point.  The Northeast elites have always looked to England somewhat enviously and in awe - going to their schools, marrying into their families, and vacationing there.  Japan and Russia were seen as the main and future antagonists of the U.S., and that's where a lot of policy, both internal and external, was directed.  Don't take this stuff too seriously.

Lighter postings

FYI:  We'll be hosting some out of town guests for the next week, or so.  Postings on Weirdness will probably be considerably lighter during that time.

This isn't good.....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/21/southwest-arabic-symbol_n_974955.html?icid=maing-grid7|aim|dl2|sec1_lnk3|97840

Happy Birthday John Houseman!

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

Happy National Ice Cream Cone Day!

Yum!

Quote of the Year, In the Story of the Day

http://www.3news.co.nz/Man-details-sexual-relationship-with-dolphin-in-book/tabid/418/articleID/226772/Default.aspx

"I'd warn anyone who's in a relationship with a dolphin. You have to plan an exit strategy,”

No truer words have been spoken....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azEOeTX1LqM

Zombie Meal Time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yttA7YkWdr0

The McCoys perform Hang On Sloopy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO2Y2sGZ1dk

Another song that I consider a classic, and love dearly.  I think it encapsulates a lot of what made the first couple of decades of rock so important.  It's simple, it's catchy, and in its own simplistic way, it talks about breaking down barriers.  It also helps that it was on Bang Records, which had that cute little picture of a derringer on the label.  I always wondered how much that meant to Rick Derringer....

Patti Smith performs Because The Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0brHGJ6xqbk

Beautiful.  I love this song, and Patti.

fanvid for The Crystals performing He's Sure The Boy I Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg65nhgvubo

Classic!

more Mark Center problems

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2091446,00.html

You don't need to be a terrorism "expert" to know what's stated in the article. This thing had a bullseye on it from the get-go. Obviously.  Hell, I've talked about it with several of you over the years. It's extremely vulnerable. Putting the lie to the main reason given for why it was built in the first place.
No.  The real reason it was built where it was is quite simple.  One or more rich people bribed one or more people who are not so rich.  Period.  It's the only rational explanation, and it's one that's been studiously ignored by the media and the rest of the so-called government watchdogs.  The only security this monstrosity is going to have lies in the total gridlock that will encompass it for a solid mile around, once it gets fully occupied.  There's no way that anyone with a truck full of fertilizer will be able to get near enough in less than three or four days of sitting in comatose traffic conditions.  Shirley Highway will truly earn its nickname as the world's longest parking lot; and Seminary Road, (already a disaster) will become a nothing less than a tomb. And NOTHING is being done about it, and nothing will be.  Welcome to Byzantium.  My hometown.

R.I.P. R.E.M.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/21/us-rem-idUSTRE78K5HN20110921

It was a great run, Gents.  Thanks much.

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY



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

And I'm supposed to be worried about the Post Office going under because...Why?

The headlines have been filled lately with tales of woe from the Post Office.  They're broke, and unless we throw piles of money at them, they'll disappear.  Normally, I'd care about this.  Up till recently, I've been a big supporter of a public postal system.  But that has disappeared over the last several months.  We have a neighbor whom we're socially close to, and we kind of watch over each other's places while on vacation, etc.  And we compare notes.  And the P.O. has become a hot topic.  They don't put a hold on mail when you ask them to.  Or they do put it on hold, but then give you someone else's mail when service is resumed.  A week ago, I mailed out a bunch of note cards.  They had the proper addresses, they had the proper postage, they had the proper everything.  And all of them have been returned to me - without explanation.  I even went up to the local station, and they couldn't explain it.  I tried again.  Of nine mailed out a second time, two have returned, (so far).  Again, with no explanation or reason.  I even confronted the carrier as to why this was occurring, a pointless exercise since she doesn't speak English, and I don't speak Spanish (I hate that...).  By now, I think I  know why the P.O. is out of money - they're spending it on crack. Nothing else makes sense, and certainly the perpetrators can't give me any alternative theory to go on.
What really concerns me is personal finances.  I now know that I can't count on these junkies to deliver to me all of the mail I should be getting (like bills), nor can I count on my checks in payment reaching their destination.  This can get serious.  And I'm not happy about it; and then to have the same wankers whining away about how we need to save them - well, what's in it for me?

Creating your own drive-through liquor store

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/amherst/article564625.ece

Alton Brown is coming to McLean!

http://www.mcleancenter.org/special-events/mcleanuncorked.asp

Kinda pricey...

Squirrel VS Cobra!

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3811857/Brave-squirrel-scoffs-at-snake.html

I post this article for two reasons.  First of all, it's kind of interesting, even cute.  But secondly, please check out the seventh mini-paragraph.  Can you tell me what this sentence means:

"Sightings like this are rare – but they are not uncommon."

Any ideas?

The ultimate runaway train

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2039667/Indian-train-travels-980km-wrong-direction-rail-staff-noticing.html

Doug Corrigan, you have lost your crown....

It's Apple Season!

Some local orchards:

http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/gut-check/2011/09/16/how-do-you-like-them-apples/

The cutting edge of tenure

http://news.yahoo.com/no-show-professor-had-excuse-died-april-152445587.html

Show & Tell!

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/09/20/unique-show-tell-item-moms-crack-pipe/

The Nuremberg Translator

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14706309

Another interesting footnote to the War.  And one more testimony about the banality of evil.

Yes Virginia...

The most famous letter to the editor, ever, was published on this date in 1897.

http://www.newseum.org/yesvirginia/


Of course, there's another version:

http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/97/Jan/cthulhu.html

Happy Birthday Bill Murray!

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

Happy Birthday H.G. Wells!

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

http://kirjasto.sci.fi/hgwells.htm

Genius. Essential.

Happy Birthday Chuck Jones!

http://www.chuckjones.com/

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

Genius.  Essential.

Happy Devil's Nutting Day!

http://www.learnenglish.de/culture/devilnutting.html

Only 40 Days Unitl Halloween!

fanvid for the Moody blues performing Om

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTavb9i37u8&feature=youtu.be

Beautiful. Yet another of those albums I use to obsessively play at the time.

the ultimate Star Wars blue-ray revue

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2011/09/robs_star_wars_blu-ray_faq.php

Death by Porta-Potty

http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/australian-airman-injured-in-july-portable-toilet-explosion-dies-1.155635

Someone needs to clue Stars & Stripes in on proper editing. In a report of an exploding toilet, do you think it's wise for the first paragraph to imply that it was a "joint exercise with the U.S. military"?

SALE! Transylvanian Coffins!

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2011/09/20/bargain_coffins_from_transylvania_where_else/

Cute!

Court Case of the Week

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2011/sep/19/sl_twilight_rapist_092011_152557/?news&jackson-county

This...is....precious....

mother (and I do mean, mutha...) of the year

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/09/19/bc-parental-support-sue-lawsuit-anderson.html

Abandon your kid, and then sue them for support. Can't believe this is even a minute in court...

Getting the Manor ready for Halloween

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/09/animatronic-doo.php

This is sooo cool! (And very tempting to install...)

(Thanks for the link, John!)

I Love You

http://dherbs.com/store/antihate-elixir-p-302.html?zenid=5c22ece259dfe34725158484763282d1

You'll notice the ingredients here. I doubt any of it is true. But if it is, I'd note the obsidian, in particular. Because nothin' says lovin' like shards of glass shredding your stomach and intestinal walls. Works for me, every time.

(Thanks for the link, Mike!)

CSN&Y perform Carry On

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

Another of those albums that I obsessively played when it first came out. Difficult to believe that was over 40 years ago...

fanvid for The Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose performing Don't Ever Be Lonely

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7HpY-tk0mw&feature=related

Always loved these guys.  A nice example of early 70's Pop/Soul.  This wasn't much of a hit, I barely remember it on radio, which is a shame.  Great sound. 

Bonnie Pointer performs Heaven Must Have Sent You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcTVe1CIQCA

Fun stuff!

fanvid for Jim Croce performing Alabama Rain

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

It's been raining most of the day here at the Manor, (despite our weatherdrones assurances that we'd only have scattered showers later in the day).  And this song seems appropriate.  One of my faves by Croce.

On DVD: An Oral History of Jungle Pirate Radio

http://boomkat.com/dvds/422179-rollo-jackson-tape-crackers-an-oral-history-of-jungle-pirate-radio

Was completely unaware of this phenomena, (and am not a huge fan of all of the music), but this sounds fascinating to me.  I always enjoy it when pop culture evades the suits.

(Thanks for the link, Erik!)

I've got my umbrella handy

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/8775561/Nasa-satellite-to-fall-to-earth-on-Friday-showering-debris.html

Happy Birthday Firefly!

Premiered on this date in 2002. My favorite TV show of the past 20 years. Absolutely charming and brilliant, and criminally mistreated and ignored by the suits at Fox.

http://www.tv.com/shows/firefly/

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

http://www.fireflyfans.net/

Happy Birthday Carolyne Mas!

One of my all-time fave performers. Never really famous, and almost forgotten now.

http://carolynemas.com/

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

Happy Birthday Jay Ward!

Genius. Essential.

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

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

Happy National Rum Punch Day!

Yum!

fanvid for The Rays performing Daddy Cool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIIwNgzSlT8

A song you never hear, even on the (supposed) oldies stations, and I've always thought it was, well, cool!

Nena's video for 99 Luftballons

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

Fun stuff! Pop music for the World War that never happened.  I was just talking to a guy the other day, (who didn't grow up here in Byzantium), and I mentioned that I never thought I'd live to see 30, living on Ground Zero, and all.  I don't think he really believed me, or quite understood.

fanvid for Phoebe Snow performing Harpo's Blues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SESmndcKI0

Not quite my usual style, but I've always liked this song.

fanvid for The Dream Syndicate performing Tell Me When It's Over

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrYaOINGkJ4

Great song by a great band.

Pinocchio - Vampire Slayer

http://horrornews.net/40494/book-review-pinocchio-vampire-slayer-ogn/

Fall For The Book Festival has begun in DC!

http://fallforthebook.org/?page_id=979/

fanivd for Stan Rogers performing Barrett's Privateers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIwzRkjn86w

A great song by a great folkie, in honor of Talk Like A Pirate Day.

Pumpkin Shortage In New England!

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980329824

Roadrunner!

Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers released their seminal album, Modern Lovers, on this date in 1975.  One of the best and most important albums of the decade.  A continuation of the Velvet's best work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bo_e9NFm2U

Happy Birthday Bill Medley!

http://www.billmedley.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhs3Rj71gpo

The Voice of blue-eyed soul.

Happy Birthday Brian Epstein!

http://www.brianepstein.com/

Happy Birthday Cass Elliott!

http://www.casselliot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t01qG1vHSZ0&feature=fvst

From Alexandria!  From my street!

Happy Birthday Brook Benton!

One of the most under-rated R&B singers, ever.  Great voice, often marred by mediocre production or material.  Should've been MUCH bigger.

http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Brook%20Benton.html

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

ARRR! Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day!

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

Stockton's Wing perform Walk Away

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0OG0IeItp0

A fine Irish folk rock band that you've never heard of.

fanvid for The Count Bishops performing Baby You're Wrong

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


Pub rock had no affect on the States, (unfortunately).  And the Count Bishops weren't all that big in the genre, regardless.  Hell, I may be their only American fan.  They deserved better.

Carly Simon performing That's The Way I Always Heard It Should Be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux7HgO9QhAc

If I remember correctly, this was being played in late Summer of '71.  And it's always reminded me of that time, a little mournful, and an interesting notation that the excitement of the 60's (and that Summer) was dying down. 

Janis Ian performs At Seventeen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMUz2TNMvL0

Sad and beautiful.  This got way too much airplay when it was released, but I always liked it.

Neat news on Wind Power

http://www.whatisworking.com/2011/09/japanese-breakthrough-will-make-wind.html

Very cool!


(Thanks for the link, Infidel753!)

nazi taxidermist?

http://www.happyplace.com/10598/the-most-insane-local-ad-for-a-taxidermist-ever-made

The ad is only mildly amusing, to me.  What caught my eye was that the dude appears to be sporting a Waffen SS cap!  Interesting marketing concept....

Happy Birthday to WKRP In Cincinnati!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1jbnd6eUxo

Premiered on this date in 1978.  I loved this show.  Probably the last American sitcom that I could stand to watch.

Happy Birthday to Alien Nation!

Premiered on this date in 1989.  From the looks of it, it sounds kind of silly, but thanks to the cast and plotting, this became one of my fave TV shows.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096531/

Happy Birthday to The Haunting!

One of the best horror movies ever made.  A Classic.  Premiered on this date in 1963.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Haunting_%281963_film%29

Happy Birthday P.F. Sloan!

http://www2.gol.com/users/davidr/sloan/

Happy Birthday Eddie "Rochester" Anderson!

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

Genius.  Essential. 

Happy National Cheeseburger Day!

Yum!

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

fanvid for the Street People performing Jennifer Tompkins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLZ7fqsmvQg&feature=related

A guilty pleasure.  This was pretty much a studio band for Rupert Holmes.  I've read that it was hit in 1970, but I think it got more airplay around DC in very late '69, if my remaining brain cells are still firing. 

fanvid for Tom & Jerry performing A Simple Desultory Philippic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOvs3rCFI2A

This tune always brings a smile to my face, but I wonder how well the references in it stand up to today's listeners.

Joan Armatrading performs Love & Affection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWPsogzYpSc&ob=av3n

Such a beautiful song and voice.

fanvid for Fleetwood Mac performing Dust

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_yzRik4VCA

Beautiful song.  As much as I love Buckingham & Nicks, too many Americans don't realize that the Mac was a great band before their enrollment.

The iPlank

http://www.parascientifica.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8597#88458

Tee hee!

A Yahoo Group for DC Haunters

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dc-haunters/

More Crocheted Cthulhu!

http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-cthulhu-cousins.html

I've got to get the Santa...

Inside a Japanese POW camp

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2038221/Antiques-Roadshow-Sketches-British-PoWs-held-Japanese-camp-revealed.html

The Japanese have tried to ignore this, of course, and for our own geopolitical reasons, we've always allowed them to.

Has anyone alerted TSA?

http://www.phenomenica.com/2011/09/snails-rode-over-birds-to-cross.html

Headline of the Day

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/nicolas-cage-awoken-naked-man-fudgesicle-222238383.html

Ladies - He's Single!!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/14/caius-veiovisv-mugshot-photo_n_962198.html#s359950&title=Daphne_Melin

The ultimate "fire drill"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14913412

Bravo! I hope she ends up owning the fucking company

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2011/09/toyota-punkd

It's interesting to see companies are now so arrogant that they believe that by agreeing to be on an email list, you give up any defense against being terrorized.  Nice attitude and marketing campaign, dickheads...

(Thanks for the link, Mike!)

The coolest behind-the-scenes photos - ever!

http://fireballed.org/linked/2011/06/07/bts/

Best Friends

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/denver-prosecutors-accuse-2-men-of-running-up-tab-on-dead-friends-atm-card/2011/09/16/gIQAJ4LSWK_story.html

(Thanks for the link, Edmund!)

The Pumpkin Tree

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/pumpkin-sprouts-from-pear-tree-in-southwest-iowa-thanks-to-wayward-vine/2011/09/16/gIQA2zoOYK_story.html

Neat-O!

The Love Boat

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/world/asia/north-korea-seeks-to-lure-tourists-to-holiday-cruises.html?_r=1

If they didn't have guns and a dangerously insane leadership, these people would almost be vaudevillian. Like the backdrop to an old comedy by Abbott and Costello, or the Marx Brothers. For instance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RocGJA3Mi1M




(Thanks for the link and title, Mike!)

25 Foods You'll Never Taste Again

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1mKVYT/www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/25-foods-youll-never-eat-again

What's interesting about this list, (to me), is that I've only heard of two or three of them before, and I don't believe I've ever tried even those. (And most of this looks like crap to me, regardless...)


(Thanks for the link, Nancy!)

Happy Birthday Elvira!

http://modlife.com/elvira



http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005308/

Happy Birthday Fee Waybill!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYXqd42BebE

Happy Coronation Day!

On this date in 1859 occured the self-coronation of Norton I, Emperor of the United States, Protector of Mexico, and one of my heroes.

http://www.sfhistoryencyclopedia.com/articles/n/nortonJoshua.html

Happy Birthday Baron von Steuben!

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

A Great Patriot.  One of my faves.

Happy Constitution Day!

http://www.constitutionday.com/

Happy Constitution Day!

http://www.constitutionday.com/

A neat site for jackolantern designs - Zombie Pumpkin

http://www.zombiepumpkins.com/

The coolest drugstore display of all time

http://www.happyplace.com/10546/drug-store-uses-grim-reaper-to-advertise-flu-shots

The Bike/Book Mobile!

http://tucsonvelo.com/news/book-bike-will-take-library-for-a-ride/9635

I think this is cute. Can see all sorts of uses for this, with a little thought and preparation for one's audience - "beach novels" on the boardwalk, popular "book report" type tomes next to the school yard, books on local history and folklore at things like Alexandria's Washington's Birthday Parade, etc.


(Thanks for the link, Carol!)

BWAHAHAHAHAHA - Conan Lives!

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0915/breaking36.html?via=mr

And yet more fun street flyers

http://www.happyplace.com/3080/the-7-most-brilliantly-pointless-street-fliers

Charity begins at Home...

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/weird/Mom-Gambled-Away-Donations-to-Fight-Sons-Cancer-129873928.html

Or not...

Fall!

It is just a beautiful Fall morning here at the Manor. Cool & crisp, with a late moon shining down. Just beautiful.

Happy Birthday to Talking Heads '77

A great album, one of my faves.  Released on this date in........1977!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talking_Heads:_77

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5zFsy9VIdM

Happy Birthday to A Fistful Of Dollars!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRBAOY4zsBk&feature=related

A great spaghetti western.  Premiered on this date in 1964.

Happy Birthday to The Bob Newhart Show!

A great sitcom.  Premiered on this date in 1972.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068049/

Happy Birthday UFO!

Another of my fave shows.  Premiered (in Britain) on this date in 1970.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063962/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TQUdcYk82U

Happy Birthday to The Outer Limits!

Premiered on this date in 1963.  Great show!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CtjhWhw2I8

Happy Birthday Lauren Bacall!

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

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

One of  my faves...

Happy National Play Doh Day!

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

Happy National Guacamole Day!

Yum!

An Ab Fab blog from Mo Gaffney

http://mogaffney.com/ab_fab_blog_27.html


Fun stuff!

fanvid for The Moody Blues performing Lost In A Lost World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojY1pudjl8o

Tell me about it...

Joan Jett performs Light Of Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ykZ65T0rWw&feature=related

She is soooo cool...

Graham Parker & The Rumour perform Heat Treatment

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

Criminally ignored.  Parker is one of the best rockers, ever - and one of the angriest of the angry young men, (even now).

David Bowie performs Changes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMQ0Ryy01yE&ob=av2n


Great song.  Very much the early 70's. 

Beer + Horror

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GQwak-9ODc

The Spooky Movie Festival Preview Trailer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFzhcr1ElxQ

Jedi Kittens!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z3r9X8OahA&feature=youtu.be

Cute!

Neat article on exoplanets and the possibilities of life

http://infidel753.blogspot.com/2011/09/super-earths-and-sexy-aliens.html

From my ol' penpal, Infidel753.

Autumn....

Am enjoying an early Fall morning here at the Manor; with our meteorologists predicting a cool front tonight that'll dip temperatures into the 50's.  Needless to say, my thoughts are turning towards Halloween...

Happy Birthday Green Acres!

A highly under-rated sitcom.  The comedy is frequently quite 'modern' and surreal.  Premiered on this date in 1965.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058808/

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbk81X6WHA4

Happy Birthday John "Torgo" Reynolds!

http://mst3k.wikia.com/wiki/Torgo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Reynolds_%28actor%29

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0s9OC6rzAA

Happy Birthday Fay Wray!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942039/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihcbIb77QEI

Happy Felt Hat Day!

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

CSN&Y perform Almost Cut My Hair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mCKLt7A6sA

If you're too young, you'll never realize how hip and wonderful these guys were. 

Gumby's life of crime ends!

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/14/us-gumby-bandit-idUSTRE78D0F720110914?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough

The End Of An Era

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=209&sid=2544061

Balance and Flexibility!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSR3jhRjzfk

Fun stuff!

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

nice article of things to do in the real Sleepy Hollow

http://www.hudsonvalleyhalloweenmagazine.com/hudson-valley-holloween/sleepy-hollow-a-real-halloween-town

New book analyzing Soviet forces during WWII

http://psan.hypotheses.org/569  Whoops!  This is the correct link.  (Thanks Infidel753 for the catch!)

This looks quite promising.   Will try to snag a copy at the library,

Happy Birthday Fred "Sonic" Smith!

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

http://www.oceanstar.com/patti/bio/fred.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cg0qJ-ieRk

Happy Birthday Clayton Moore!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0138194/

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

Happy Pig Face Day!

http://poor-blogger.blogspot.com/2005/09/pig-face-day.html

Happy Holy Nut Day!

http://chscarlett.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/mythical-calendar-holy-nuts-september-14-2010/

Happy Eat A Hoagie Day!

Yum!

George performs If Not For You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVeJKw5nL0k


Sigh.  Beautiful.  But all things must pass, right?  See ya tomorrow....

The Ramones' video for I Wanna Be Sedated

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQeo3OfuEDM

Classic.

fanvid for The Supremes performing Love Child

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IluVWcNtR8

Great tune.

fanvid for Paul Rolan performing Alice's House

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDubFBNLa4o&feature=related

One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite performers.

Air Travel

http://blog.joethepeacock.com/2011/09/joes-rules-of-air-travel.html

This all seems reasonable to me, and I've seen pretty much seen/experienced everything that this writer is mentioning. The fact is that it is HELL. Our  trip to Wisconsin this Summer convinced Linda and me that flying is now out for anything East of the Mississippi that's not an emergency.  It's become that big a pain in the ass.  I'd much rather spend two days in a car than a half or full day of insults, hassles, groping, and dehumanization that now routinely comes with air travel.  I'm tired of being treated as an extra in Ben Hur.

Hung Jury - Guaranteed

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Murder-suspect-happy-to-dive-into-jury-pool-2168321.php

Headline of the Day

http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/the_reason_given_to_police_for_defecating_on_dead_hedgehog_in_street_1_3045067

3-D Holographic displays for the military

http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?page=662

Pretty neat!


(Thanks for the link, Dennis!)

Great moments in Fairfax crime

http://fairfaxcity.patch.com/articles/man-arrested-after-allegedly-stabbing-his-roommate-woman-suspected-in-lactation-larcency

Scrambled Eggs...

The Beatles released Yesterday on this date in 1965.

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

Happy Birthday to Grace Of My Heart!

One of fave movies. Absolutely wonderful.

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

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

Happy Birthday to The Muppet Show!

Premiered on this date in 1976. Brilliant. Essential.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074028/

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-_QLNkh-zI

Happy Fortune Cookie Day!

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

Happy National Peanut Day!

Yum!

http://www.thepeanutshop.com/

Happy Uncle Sam Day!

His image was first used on this date in 1813.

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/uncle-sam/

Happy Birthday to The Star Spangled Banner!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

Composed on this date (and 9/14) in 1814.

Neat Typewriters

http://www.slate.com/id/2303250/

Beautiful!

Mr Zimmerman perfroming Lay Lady Lay

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

It's funny how you remember obscure little vignettes in life. This came out in the Summer of '69; and I still have strong memories of sitting in the cafeteria in high school, listening to it played over the public address system during lunch on the first day of school.

The Chocolate Watchband performs Are You Gonna Be There (At The Love-In)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gIR3sYPwv8

One of the coolest and most ignored bands of all time.

Devo performs Come Back Jonee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSksSO9jc4o

Fun stuff!

The Soft Boys perform I Wanna Destroy You

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

Love this song. MY fave by them.

Psycho Safari coming to Bowie, MD

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/team1/page.jsp?ymd=20110907&content_id=24349998&vkey=team1_t418&fext=.jsp&sid=t418

The Isley Brothers perform That Lady and Live It Up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAKfiP1oySg

Wonderful!

Walking On Water

http://io9.com/5839016/watch-a-woman-become-possessed-by-the-mystical-powers-of-water

Porno War Propaganda

http://www.psywarrior.com/sexandprop.html

Fascinating.  Yet another footnote to the World Wars.

Hell-On-Earth - first hand testimonies of WWII

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2035784/MAX-HASTINGS-reveals-horrors-Second-World-War-chilling-hand-testimonies.html

I suppose it's more realistic now, (I'll leave it for others to judge), but in my own youth, the description of the War was often so bleached and painless, in print and in film, as to be pure fantasy.  I'm always glad to see the truth about what combat is really about and the terrible costs.  People need to be realistic and wide-eyed about the whole thing.  Its' not a nice thing, and should be treated as such.

Education!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/10-weird-and-wonderful-university-courses-2074911.html

Strangest death of the year?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2035614/Father-dies-bizarre-clothes-horse-accident-likely-hit-meteorite.html

I'm not sure I quite believe this...

Full Harvest Moon this morning!

http://www.almanac.com/content/full-harvest-moon-septembers-moon-guide

Happy Birthday to The Monkees!

Their show premiered on this date in 1966.

http://monkees.net/

http://www.monkees.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060010/

Happy Birthday H.L. Mencken!

http://www.mencken.org/

The Bard of Baltimore. One of my faves.

Happy Birthday Gerry Beckley!

http://www.gerrybeckley.com/

http://www.venturahighway.com/

Happy Defenders Day!

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

http://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm

Spanky & Our Gang perform Sunday Will Never Be The Same

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

Ever since I was released, I've thought this was a great pop song capturing a sense of loss.  It's the tenth anniversary of the mohammedan attack of 9/11, and eight years since the funeral of my dear Father, and this seems an appropriate tune to end the day with.  See ya tomorrow. 

Bootleg movie posters from Ghana

http://thumbpress.com/30-hilarious-bootleg-movie-posters-from-ghana/?utm_source=scribol&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=scribol

Fun stuff!

There's a hog farmer in Guatemala who has some explaining to do....

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/209982

Oh sure, it was an alien, right......

Newsweek takes on the Internet...in 1995

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/1995/02/26/the-internet-bah.html

Only a churlish person would point out that in the past 15 - 20 years Newsweek has gone from being a large, low-brow attempt by the Post to be taken seriously, to a tiny even lower-brow attempt, (by whoever the hell bought it), to remain even marginally relevant to anyone not stuck waiting in a dentist office.

The cutting edge of school buses!

http://www.kgw.com/video/featured-videos/129591703.html

Fun stuff!

Oink!

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/white_castle_hates_fatty_gut_UQk76R1S8Mbud5aMhaxD3J

Poor Baby! Maybe some music will cheer you up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHei4OrwT2o

Dark Shadows - How would it continue?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaxfjC3u8Oc&feature=youtu.be

Happy Birthday Herbert Lom!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0007042/

The Biggest Douche Bag in DC

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/redskins-owner-dan-snyder-drops-lawsuit-against-city-paper/2011/09/10/gIQAnGKiIK_blog.html?wpisrc=al_bizlocal

Tee Hee! He's still a big asshole, this just proves it further. I've never liked professional sports. But I now have a favorite team - Whoever is playing against the Redskins and their spoiled, pompous, priss of an owner.

On the way: A film based on Dave Van Ronk & Tom Paxton!

http://www.vintagevinylnews.com/2011/09/coen-brothers-film-based-on-dave-van.html

(Thanks for the link, Perry!)

Only 50 Days Until Halloween!

Ringo!

Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best on this date in 1962.

Happy Birthday to The Carol Burnett Show!

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

http://www.itsthecarolburnettshow.com/

Wonderful!  One of the best TV shows - Ever. Premiered on this date in 1967.

Happy National Grandparents Day!

http://www.grandparents-day.com/

Patriot Day is today...

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

http://911digitalarchive.org/

Never Forget...

My First Cthulhu Plush!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/e92a/

So cute!


(Thanks for the link, Katie!)

Happy Anniversay, Mike!

Mike the Headless Chicken was beheaded on this date in 1945.

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

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

Happy Birthday Raymond Scott!

http://raymondscott.com/

Genius.  Essential.

The Razz performs Cherry Vanilla

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8i_69Cank&feature=related

Classic DC early punk rock. The Razz were electric on stage. They were so cool....

fanvid for Looking Glass performing Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWO6f4ugZPs

I know that I've posted this before, but I love this song, and the fact that it reminds me of this time of year, back in '73, (when it was a hit). A perfect example of early 70's Top 40 pop.

Kim Wilde's video for Kids In America

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzdHxqwTO-4&feature=related

Fun stuff. Nice driving song.

Blondie's video for Hanging On The Telephone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWhkbDMISl8

If you weren't around then, I can only assure you how cool it was between '76 and '78. There was a musical revolution happening, and 99% of the people had no idea at the time. Another example of the Underground trumping the suits. And it kept changing and growing. Every three months some new set of groups and sounds would emerge. Some would get signed to major labels, most wouldn't. And none would get played on the radio, (unless you had a cool college station like WGTB). It was like San Francisco in 1966-67, or Greenwich Village in 1963; or London in, well, anytime.

God performs Badge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx6n9TjA-Q&feature=related

My fave Cream song.

Chaz lacks rhythm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2035369/Chaz-Bono-struggling-rehearsals-lacks-rhythm.html

Kind of amusing, given his/her parentage. Perhaps this'll help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFPa187EN_Q&feature=fvst

Where's The Beef?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/09/woman-dies-after-injectin_n_955471.html

Can I Get An Amen!

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/2011/09/phoenix_goddess_temple_raided.php

fanivd for Patti Smith covering Within You Without You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrCk5ZWt3a8&feature=related

Have always loved Patti.

Well, it is a month with an "R" in it...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/crime-scene/post/smuggler-with-cocaine-stuffed-clams-busted-at-dulles-airport/2011/09/09/gIQA01EbEK_blog.html

It's no good if it's out of season...

Voting on the Alexandria Town Crier

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/hear-ye-alexandria-choosing-a-town-crier/2011/09/09/gIQA0O7FFK_story.html?wprss=rss_local

America's Kamikaze

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/f-16-pilot-was-ready-to-give-her-life-on-sept-11/2011/09/06/gIQAMpcODK_story.html?sub=AR

A fascinating and frightening tale.  Growing up, the rumor/belief was that there were always two fighters in flight around the area.  I suppose the theory was that there was always the possibility of a bomber somehow sneaking past the usual radar defenses, and one can never discount a ship-launched plane.  (The technology and techniques to transport and launch small bombers from submarines had been known since the later days of WWII).  At any rate, if such did exist, it's been proven time and again in the last few years that it doesn't exist now.  I confess to being surprised that those planes prepared for emergencies aren't armed.  Even a rank amateur like me knows that an hour is much too long in terms of the type of emergency that would be confronting this type of last-ditch defense of DC.  The idea that ramming is the only course available, (regardless of how brave and admirable I find these people), is  surreal.  The numerous illegal flights that have successfully penetrated restricted airspace around here have already proven conclusively that we are STILL totally unprepared to do anything about it, (no one's ever been downed - even by ramming).  The idea that we need at least an hour, should we ever decide to actually defend the Capital, leaves me astonished.  They're not going to give you an hour, folks.

An evening with Brian Lamb at GMU!

http://supportingmason.gmu.edu/target/images/lambinvite09212011.pdf

One of the VERY few people on TV that I have a modicum of trust and respect for.  Watched him on C-SPAN a lot, have heard him speak in person, once, , (it was very good), and met him once, (very nice gentleman).  Unfortunately, I'll be busy that evening, otherwise I'd attend.  If you're free, I highly recommend this.

nice article on Sarah Michelle Gellar

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/09/sarah-michelle-gellar-ringer.html

Sweety-Darling, They're Back! The Return of Ab-Fab!

http://www.aoltv.com/2011/08/29/absolutely-fabulous-new-shows/

Loved this show.

Black Widow has a new album coming out!

http://www.blackwidowrockband.co.uk/sleepingwithdemons/

A great band from the early 70's returns!

Happy Birthday Danger Man!

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLgNPYw9QMw

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

One of my faves.  Premiered on this date (in the UK) in 1960.  Then, came over to the States as Secret Agent.  Brilliant show.

What's Next?

http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2011/09/09/_9_11_terrorist_threat_officials_prep_for_possible_truck_or_car_.html?from=rss/&wpisrc=newsletter_slatest

Sigh.  So, let's see, in the past few weeks we've had an earthquake, a hurricane, and 3-4 days of non-stop torrential rains that have flooded out a quarter of our road system.  And now we (supposedly) have the return of mohammed's minions.  Interesting times...

The Birds....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2034766/Couples-shock-wake-500-house-martins-perched-home.html

Joy Rider

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/08/bear-breaks-into-prius-drives-car_n_953998.html

Secret Sauce

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/09/08/georgia.mcdonalds.death/

The article seems remarkably blase about the fact that there's something going on at a public restaurant that is presumably serving food that kills people and require you to wear a hazmat outfit.

WWJD: Who Would Jesus Dial?

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980209860

Peter!

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/09/07/anonymous_lulzsec_hacking_trial_peter_cannot_use_name/

People, we've just GOT to get a better class of criminals...

http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980214848

The Virginia Wine Festival is coming up!

http://www.virginiawinefest.com/

Yum!

Still Standing

What a night. Bailing water out of a an outside stairwell that's threatening the interior was a constant activity. The drain simply couldn't handle the amount of rain and run-off hitting it. The amount of water the last three days has been nearly unprecedented in my experience. The closest I can think of was in '72 when Hurricane Agnes hit us and flooded Northern and Eastern Alexandria. Nevertheless, the Manor still stands.

Imagine...

Was released on this date in 1971. Forty years ago. I'm feeling old...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b7qaSxuZUg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imagine_%28album%29

Happy Birthday George Of The Jungle!

Premiered on this date in '67.

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

Fun stuff!

Happy Birthday to The Amazing Johnathan!

http://www.amazingj.com/

Happy Birthday Doung Ingle!

http://www.dougingle.com/

http://www.ironbutterfly.com/

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbtw9b_iron-butterfly-in-a-gadda-da-vida-l_music

So cool...

Happy Birthday Otis!

Genius. Absolutely Essential. One of The Immortals.

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

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

Happy Teddy Bear Day!

http://www.teddybearemp.com/

Anniversary of the Suffolk Resolves

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

Almost forgotten, now; this was an important step towards the Declaration of Independence.

An update..

Basically, we are royally screwed. The rain is continuing and there is flooding EVERYWHERE. Part of the Beltway is now closed due to the rain. When was the last time that happened? We've been bailing water from a stairwell outdoors to keep it from backing into the Manor. By far the worst rain I've seen here in decades. The main roads are blocked, forcing commuters into the side areas. There's a full traffic jam in front of the Manor. First time that's ever happened.

Animals Being Dicks

http://animalsbeingdicks.com/

A wonderful collection of fun videos!

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

fanvid for Paul Roland performing Gabrielle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p18nnSkquEI

fanivd for The Moody Blues performing The Story In Your Eyes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r75XWbsSx-E

Always loved the Moody's, and this tune.

Downpour

For the past three days it has been raining here at the Manor, often quite heavily. I don't know when the last time was that we've had so much water pouring down on us for so long. Fortunately, we don't live in lowlands or a flood plain, (if you do - you're doomed); But this is bad enough that I start to worry about basement leaks, etc. It's damnably impressive.

The Oldest Spirfire

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/world-war-2/8739788/Flying-again-Spitfire-takes-to-the-air-71-years-after-being-shot-down.html

Bartender, I'll have what he's having....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/07/drunk-swedish-moose-photos_n_952216.html#s352642&title=This_Little_PIggie

Was Gumby the accomplice?

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/08/us-crime-gumby-idUSTRE7874A120110908?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough

Happy Birthday Patsy Cline!

http://www.patsycline.com/

Typewriter Sculpture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91cdaY7kdzY


Amazing...

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Great Steampunk Masks

http://tombanwell.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmLJJwh5W_4

Very cool!


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Halloween Wars coming to the Food Network

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1661575.php/Food-Network-Halloween-Wars-comes-Sunday-October-2nd

We'll see how this is, the description makes it sound a little too fancy for my tastes.

Happy Birthday Star Trek!

The whole phenomena premiered on this date in 1966.

http://www.startrek.com/

http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Star_Trek

45 years ago, Amazing...

Happy Birthday Peter Sellers!

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

Genius. Essential.

Happy Birthday Sid Caesar!

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

Genius. Essential.

Happy International Literacy Day!

http://www.reading.org/General/Conferences/InternationalLiteracyDay.aspx

For Real performs Born to Love That Boy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwNpnX1lCdw

Taken from one of my all-time favorite movies, Grace Of My Heart, (very loosely based on the life of Carole King).  The music and performances in it are wonderful echoes of the Brill Building era, and For Real's contribution is the best interpretation of the early 60's Girl Group sound that I've heard since those days.  

Boz Scaggs perform Lido Shuffle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIu0jQ5TaRQ

Always liked this tune. Another great tune to play when driving late at night on some errand of desperation...

ZZ Top's video for Gimme All Your Lovin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi_ser2_Xm4

My fave song by them, and a fun video.

Awwww!

http://www.buyzombie.com/2011/09/07/zombie-clothing/misc-zombie-clothing/zombie-snack-bib-2/

Old Tech Is Still Good Tech

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/874779-65yr-old-tv-set-still-works-perfectly-with-all-the-latest-digital-gear

COOL!

(Thanks for the link and title, Mathew!)

Arrogance and rubbish

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/29/the-one-must-see-documentary/

Sigh.  There are all sorts of problems with such a list.  One that I do not share is the worry about documentary vs propaganda.  It's an endless argument - one person's description is another person's whitewash, etc.  Every history, whether in print or on film is a selection of data and decisions made on what and how to present it.  A point of view is a natural outcome.  Deal with it.  Just remember that the term "Documentary" doesn't mean "The Final Definitive Work Etched In Stone Which You Must Kowtow To".  So we are left with a fairly broad definition.  I've got no problems with that.
But I do have some problems here.  One is the mewling excuse by the producers that they're not the 50 "Best", (probably made because the ignorance demonstrated in their choices can be torn apart in about 2 minutes by anyone with a modicum of intelligence and background).  But yea, they are saying that:  You've gotta see 'em before you die means that.  What?  You're saying I don't have to see the best - just these? Oh, Please...
My most serious complaint is an echo of one made in the Times.  This list was obviously compiled by people who were born less than thirty years ago.  For whatever reason, they are lying under the dunder-headed notion that life started with them.  Anybody of any generation that thinks this and acts that way is stupid*.
I find it incredible that these folks would ignore documentaries that are the equal to any in their list.  They influenced, and even changed great numbers of minds, inspired policies and political parties, etc..  I'm not an expert, or a TV or film historian; but how could you ignore Eyes On The Prize, Why We Fight, Vietnam:_The_Ten_Thousand_Day_War, Harvest of Shame, and Intolerance?  (Lest you accuse me of the same generational prejudices, I would point out that two of these were created long before I was born, and two more when I was a child).
I think that I get pissed off about things like this because I see so much in the way of social studies getting ignored and/or abused in school curriculum's and by parents. And this seems to be one more occasion where anything over 20 years old is treated as antediluvian compost, to be ignored. And thus ignoring any lessons or wisdom to be gained therein. The present makes so much more sense if one understands the past. In fact, in many ways, that's the only way to make sense of it is to understand where it came from. That's too often ignored now, (check any political reporting or commentary in the Washington Post or on your nightly news cast for examples).  This list just strikes me as another example of that virginal view of events.


*I would argue that my generation of Baby Boomers, for the most part don't believe this. We grew up with knowledge about and respect for our parents' tales of the Great Depression, WWII, etc. My education certainly involved immersion in the 18th and 19th centuries, at the very least.  However, while not believing that the Universe began with us, some of our members do seem to think that it Ends with us...

The Hunt For The Butt Slasher Intensifies!

http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/166038/158/Fairfax-Serial-Butt-Slashing-Suspect-Identified-May-Have-Left-The-Area

The War of 1812 - The Final Casualty

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/09/05/ont-teens-mother-charged-after-drowning-death

Headline of the Day...

http://www.anorak.co.uk/292413/strange-but-true/man-kills-hunting-partner-for-eating-dog-killed-by-monkey.html/

Today's Forecast: Cloudy

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/09/07/2011-09-07_arkansas_weatherman_brett_cummins_found_in_hot_tub_with_naked_dead_man_wearing_d.html

Air Swimmers

http://www.wimp.com/airswimmers/


Fun stuff!

(Thanks for the link, Margrete!)

Happy Birthday John Polidori!

http://www.litgothic.com/Authors/polidori.html

A reasonably interesting gothic writer. And could probably be argued that he created the modern (English) vampire.

Happy Birthday Ronnie Gilbert!

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

Happy Birthday Buddy Holly!

http://www.buddyhollyonline.com/

Genius. Essential.

Happy Birthday Chrissie Hynde!

http://www.thepretenders.com/

Happy Birthday Grandma Moses!

http://www.notablebiographies.com/Mo-Ni/Moses-Grandma.html

Happy National Acorn Squash Day!

Yum!

Black Sabbath performs Supernaut

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlW9s_QGyJc&feature=related

So cool....

fanvid for Red Lorry Yellow Lorry performing Train Of Hope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O90QOhkDJf4

Great song by a highly under-rated band. 

fanvid for Big Star performing September Gurls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNKSs1J38EA

It seemed appropriate.  A minor classic.

fanvid for The Doors performing Alabama Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5B28w51ygQ

This one's for you, Scott....

Wreckless Eric performs Whole Wide World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSjwl8lHEVE

Wonderful song by one of the great pub rockers from the legendary Stiff Records, (Remember their motto:  "If It Ain't Stiff, It Ain't Worth A Fuck".  Does anyone but me even remember this guy?

The Return of Eerie Comics

http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=259&ai=111195

This has been announced before - with nothing to show for it. But I remain cautiously optimistic.

Today's Metro atrocity

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2531274

They're all Class.....

An interview with Karlos Borloff of Monster MadHouse

http://www.prlog.org/11646309-karlos-borloff-of-monster-madhouse-live-guests-on-eye-on-entertainment.html

One of our great local horror hosts. Chaotic, fun, wildly amateurish, with occasional flashes of brilliance. For most, I know that it's an acquired taste, at best - but I love these public access shows. They are truly done for the love of it, and that comes through. I much prefer the honesty and shortcomings found in these efforts to most of the slick and hyped crap on regular TV. These guys are cool.

Encore!!!

http://www.thelocal.de/society/20110905-37395.html

New X-Files movie on the way?

http://io9.com/5837368/did-gillian-anderson-just-confirm-x+files-3-for-2012

Cartographers of the Fantastic

http://atlasobscura.com/blog/obsessive-mappers-of-imagined-worlds

Neat-O! Needless to say, these type activities have more than a little in common with the best role playing game campaigns....

RIP John Cullen

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/03/nyregion/john-cullen-coast-guardsman-who-detected-spies-dies-at-90.html?_r=1

Another interesting footnote to the war, and an example of how even relatively ordinary people in relatively unglamorous positions can make a major difference in a massive conflict.

French Loaf

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/8741895/Frenchman-ordered-to-pay-wife-damages-for-lack-of-sex.html

The wussiest Englishman

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/8743065/Tourist-complains-about-sight-of-fish-in-harbour.html

Poor lil' snowflake....

Scottish Population Control

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Could-a-sea-eagle-mistake.6830072.jp

Looking for love in all the wrong places...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/02/man-arrested-in-ohio-for-_n_946618.html#s348678&title=Edwin_Tobergta

The smallest motor

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14763223

Pretty neat!

Indiana Samurai

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/09/04/ind-state-police-nab-i-65-%E2%80%98samurai%E2%80%99/

Happy Birthday to The Phantom of the Opera (film)

Great movie. Premiered on this date in 1925.

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

Happy Birthday Max Schreck!

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

(some sources list his birthday as 6/11)

Happy Birthday Paul Roland!

One of my faves. Brilliant. And absolutely unknown in the States.


http://www.myspace.com/paulrolandmusic

http://www.paulroland.it/

Happy Birthday Lafayette!

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

Happy Read A Book Day!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/readabook.htm

fanvid for Jim Croce performing Time In A Bottle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO1rMeYnOmM

And so, this is it, the end of Summer, (we can quibble about the Equinox making it official). For me, it's been a Season of successes and failures, of great joys and sadness. And sometimes, just muddling through. Which is to say that it was like most Seasons. But I'm feeling particularly tired and old on this cusp. And Jim's song comes to mind. See ya tomorrow...

Happy Labor Day!

Tomorrow (9/6), TCM is showing all horror/monster movies!

http://www.tcm.com/schedule/index.html?tz=est&sdate=2011-09-06

fanvid for Sly & The Family Stone performing Hot Fun In The Summertime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NVVe1DkVsQ

Old friends, and long-time followers of this humble blog will know that this tune holds a special place in my heart.  It captures both the laid back feel, as well as the romantic connotations and connections that meant so much in my (our) youth.  It gives us the anticipation, and the (grudging) acceptance, of what exists in that period we call Summer.  I consider it THE perfect song to begin and end the Season, ever since it was released in '69, and have made a point of listening to it each Labor Day since then.  So should you.  40+ years later, it still speaks to me. 

Happy Birthday to Second Hand Lion!

A wonderful (and criminally under-rated) movie.  Premiered on this date in 2003.


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

Happy Bob Newhart!

Genius.  Essential.

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

http://www.bob-newhart.com/

Happy Birthday Diana Quinn!

Lead singer of Tru Fax & The Insaniacs, one of my fave local groups.  Wonderful!

http://www.trufax.com/trufaxmem.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmSuJ0elEwU

Happy Birthday Al Stewart!

One of my all-time favorites.  Genius.

http://www.alstewart.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y6hVQn-e5Y

Happy National Cheese Pizza Day

http://www.crozetpizza.net/

Dophins and Death

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21128283.700-death-in-dolphins-do-they-understand-they-are-mortal.html

Fascinating. There's quite a bit of anecdotal information on elephants, as well. As stated in the past, I think that the old formula in regards to mental capabilities and states, with humans on one side and animals on the other, is slowly being torn apart. We're going to see much more graduated and nuanced definition and descriptions of what's going on in our brains and mental processes - and how they are sometimes (partially, at least) shared by other species.


(Thanks for the link, Infidel753!)

And more mud on Chamberlain

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2033502/Revealed-Chamberlains-secret-bid-reach-deal-Hitler.html

Nevy really was an idiot.

RIP Scott Shafer

http://www.burtonfuneralhome.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1247067&fh_id=12450

The name won't mean anything to the majority of you reading this. And the obituary really won't add much. But if you were around NoVa in the 70's, Shafer (that's how we always referred to him) was a minor legend - one of those larger-than-life characters where fact and fantasy mix and create story after story. Those of us who hung out with him always seemed to come away with a new story we could regale others with, later on. This was the 70's, and I'm not saying everything that happened was something you'd be proud of or even want others to ever find out about. Drinking expeditions to Gtown, parties at William & Mary and throughout NoVa, the girlfriends, the tricks and practical jokes, the confrontations, the bluster and bellowing throughout it all - I chuckle even as I type this. It's hard to describe Shafer, maybe a very smart and intellectual version of John Belushi's character from "Animal House" might be a step in the right direction; but he was more charming (when he wanted to be). You just knew when you went out with him for a night on the town, there was about an equal chance of glory or a jail cell at the end of it. (Like I said - it was the 70's...). Bartenders and waitresses loved or hated him, sometimes simultaneously. His was the loudest and most laugh-filled section of the bar, I can assure you. He could be outrageous, or outrageously funny. It was a craps shoot, sometimes. But there'd always be a new tale to tell afterwards - talking his way out of an arrest, locking a restauranteur out of his own bathroom, dramatically begging (on his knees) forgiveness from some girlfriend's mother, and on and on.
And, as I've implied above, Shafer wasn't a saint. The "trickster' aspects of his personality could sometimes veer into the cruel or the stupid. One disadvantage of a big personality like that is one can sometimes overplay a hand. There were more than a few hurt feelings in the man's wake.
But he could also be quite a good friend, helping folks out of jams, smoothing over a rough situation in a bar, etc. He could twist an argument around with professional ease. He'd of made a good lawyer for the ACLU, I think.
He enjoyed playing the game of Monopoly. He also gleefully cheated like a MoFo - and you didn't care. I would never play him in poker...
I've not seen Scott in close to 30 years. We re-connected by email just a few years back and corresponded a few times a year. He'd told me about his illness, but as recently as two weeks ago had left me with the impression that he was getting better. Just like Shafer to play one last trick on me. I'll miss him, and can only end with the famous line from Hamlet:
"He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again."

Elvira Bloopers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlUsF0syQa0&feature=share

Cute!

Almost forgot! The Virginia Scottish Games are going on this weekend!

http://www.vascottishgames.org/

Stephen King's "Mold From Hell"?

http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2011/09/stephen-king-and-the-mold-from-hell/#more-7406

Curious story...

It's Just A Flesh Wound!

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/hero_dave_told_to_leave_army_1_3740626

Sorry Pal, but you're right out of a Monty Python skit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhEw7nD9C4

nazis in Greenland!

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

I just found out about this little tidbit of WWII trivia. Fascinating. I had no idea that they had one or more teams up there. Supply and insertion must have been a real challenge. Will have to do some more research.

Papa Was A Rolling Stone...

The events in this great song by The Temptations took place on this date.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s3SNHIH0bs

Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Paris

In 1783.  From the British point of view, one might consider this American Independence Day.

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=6

fanvid for Lee Michaels performing Do You Know What I Mean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fymw5ie9Zd4&feature=related

Wonderful tune. Was a hit around this time in '71. Lee should've been more successful....

fanivd for Looking Glass performing Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWO6f4ugZPs

A wonderful example of early 70's Top 40 Pop. If I remember correctly, this was just beginning to climb up the charts (quickly) around this time in '73. I really like this.

Bob Seger's video for Night Moves

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

A classic end-of-Summer song.  Bob understands.

School's Back In - and Alice Cooper does the best commercial - EVER

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

Lennon's video for Nobody Told Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_0di2IL440

It's weird how things sneak up on you.  I didn't think much of this song when it came out; but now I really like and identify with it.  Strange days, indeed.

The Ultimate "Do Not Enter" Sign

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GANDALF-ROAD-SIGN-16-X-16-YELLOW-ALUMINUM-/390086827072?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ad2fc9c40

My next t-shirt

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62832385/can-i-talk-to-you-about-cthulhu?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_query=cthulhu&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Band Name Conflicts

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/sep/01/band-name-disputes

This has been going on for decades.  Doo-Wop has been ravaged by it.  And there was at least one fake Steppenwolf touring back in the mid 70's.

Reminds me of the old story..."He accidently fell on the knife 11 times..."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-09-02/Coronado-mansion-death-ruled-suicide-family-objects/50233234/1

Bruce Busking!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/bruce-springsteen-busks-in-a-boston-park-20110902?stop_mobi=yes

Fun stuff!

(Thanks for the link, Erik!)

The "Your Face On A Grilled Cheese Sandwich" Facebook App

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/01/tillamook-cheeswich-facebook-app_n_945204.html?ir=Weird%20News

Gestapo Fashion Is Back "In" For the USSR*

http://www.parapolitical.com/post/9671657606#axzz1WizetPUG



*That's intentional on my part...

Space Hotel Vacation in 5 years?

http://mashable.com/2011/08/18/commercial-space-station/?WT.mc_id=en_my_stories&utm_campaign=My%2BStories&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter

Happy National Beheading Day!

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/September/beheadingday.htm

Happy (official) VJ Day!

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

Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & Trinity perform Wheels On Fire

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

Made famous as the theme song to Ab Fab, I just love their cover of this tune. 

Little Richard performs Good Golly Miss Molly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqHQqb5ot74&ob=av2n

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Queen of Rock'N'Roll.  The very personification of how truly revolutionary Rock was.  I mean, one minute you're listening to Perry Como, Mitch Miller, and Andre Kostelanetz lulling you into a stupor.  And the next minute, this Black Transvestite had grabbed you by the lapels, is shaking you mercilessly, and screaming in your face how his girlfriend loves to Fuck.  It was like Martians had landed.

The Happenings perform See You In September

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgCt-F22Ex0

Seems appropriate, given the date...

Black Sabbath performs Paranoid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aIhh9nFYv4

A Classic. I don't know if it's possible to describe how much of a hammer blow this band was to rock'n'roll when they released those first couple of albums.  Absolutely amazing and Essential.

Snyder wasn't the Redskins' First Asshole-In-Chief

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/41422/why-a-washington-baltimore-game-sparked-redskins-segregation-policy-protests/

It's also interesting to see how in love with him the whole NFL was.  One more in a long list of reasons why I hate and mistrust pro sports.  

The Wide World of Sports

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/31/chubby_bunny_contest.DTL

I believe we have an Olympics contender, here.

We're #1! We're #1!

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=41&sid=2523649

I couldn't be prouder! Of course, I'd like to point out in all fairness that the list's Top 10 Cities, doesn't have a single real city in it.... I mean, I am a HUGE fan of Ft. Collins - love the place, really. But it's not a city. And comparing it to places like DC is truly a matter of apples and oranges...

Death & Taxes

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/31/us-germany-prostitutes-idUSTRE77T36P20110831?feedType=nl&feedName=usoddlyenough


I guess this broadens the definition of "Meter Maid"....

Turtle Traffic at JFK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAWp17yLnTE&feature=player_embedded

Fun stuff!


(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

The cutting edge of Marketing

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2011/08/the_empty_nester_the_most_horr.php

Two things:  First of all, I guess they've cornered the depressed alcoholic pre-suicidal Mother's demographic pretty well.  Secondly, I have to agree with the interview - mixing tequila, (or much of anything else) with a good cab is absolute sacrilege.  And everyone knows that triple sec is not for downing at any time of day.  It's just for mornings....

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)