Weirdness: February 2014

http://agraveinterest.blogspot.com/

Just discovered this blog devoted to cemeteries, graves, funeral customs, et al. Very well written and researched.

The communications of Admiral Nimitz online

http://www.armchairgeneral.com/wwii-communications-of-fleet-admiral-chester-nimitz-to-stream-live.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ArmchairGeneralMagazineMilitaryHistory+%28Armchair+General+Magazine%29
This will make fascinating reading for anyone interested in the Pacific Campaign of WWII.

Happy Birthday Mary Chapin Carpenter!

http://www.marychapincarpenter.com/

DC's finest!

RIP Mary Grace Canfield

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/02/17/green-acres-actress-mary-grace-canfield-dies-at-8/

Brawling With Bambi!

http://animalsbeingdicks.com/post/77292347479/the-biggest-loser

(Thanks for the link and title, Mathew!)

"Eye Of The Tiger" - the dot matrix printer version

http://vimeo.com/58200103#at=0

This is pretty cute, actually!

(Thanks for the link, John!)

Italian Disco Beatles!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJTzTQgsS-4#t=124

Come for the music, stay for the elephant pants!

Bosch's music from the butts of Hell!

http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/feb/13/hidden-sheet-music-hieronymus-bosch-triptych-recorded?CMP=fb_gu

This is pretty near, actually!

Happy Birthday Richard Matheson!

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

Genius. Essential.

Happy World Day of Social Justice!

https://www.un.org/en/events/socialjusticeday/

Happy Birthday Joel Hodgson!

http://joelhodgson.com/

Happy Birthday Sidney Poitier!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001627/

Happy Birthday William Prescott!

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

A Patriot.

Happy Birthday Frederick Douglas!

http://www.biography.com/people/frederick-douglass-9278324

Happy Hoodie Hoo Day!

http://www.wellcat.com/february/northern_hemisphere_hoodie.htm

Beginning of month of Ventose in French revolutionary calendar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vent%C3%B4se

Happy Birthday to the Bowman Body weekly show!

A famous local Ghost Host. The Bowman Body began his weekly broadcasts on this date in 1971.

http://www.bowmanbody.com/

Happy Birthday to the Phonograph!

Patented on this date in 1878 by Thomas Edison.

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

Happy Birthday Bobby Hart!

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

Happy Birthday Smokey Robinson!

http://www.smokeyrobinson.com/

Happy Birthday Copernicus!

http://www.biography.com/people/nicolaus-copernicus-9256984

RIP Bob Casale of Devo

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/18/showbiz/devo-bob-casale-dead/

I despair

http://news.yahoo.com/1-4-americans-unaware-earth-circles-sun-172238500.html

Come Back Later, When We're Open....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/18/swiss-airforce-office-hours_n_4804151.html

Happy Birthday to Hello! My Name Is Blotto!

Their first EP, released on this date in 1980.

http://www.blotto.net/

Happy Birthday Sonia Rustein!

http://soniadf.com/_nSite2012/index.html

Baltimore's finest!

Happy Birthday Jack Palance!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001588/

Happy Birthday Gahan Wilson!

http://gahanwilson.net/

Genius. Essential.

Happy Drink Wine Day!

Yum!

http://www.virginiawine.org/wineries

"Boys will be boys"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561108/Boys-boys-The-heartless-explanation-lawyer-asked-mother-rape-victim-aged-FIVE-happened-child.html

It's always amazing to me how many men out-and-out despise women. It feeds into the whole slasher film/game industry, the way so many rappers refer to them in their so-called songs, the way that country grits like this expect them to be treated, etc. The term "misogyny" seems inadequate at times to describe how deep, widespread, and downright casual it is in this society. I used to wonder if these cretins would expect and accept such treatment dished out to their mothers, grandmothers, spouses, sisters, or daughters. But I now shudder that the answer/result would probably be the same. We've got a large population of monsters in our midst.

A Lego episode of The Simpsons is on the way!

http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-02-17/the-simpsons-to-produce-lego-episode/

Great moments in amureekin edjumication

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/ken-shepherd/2014/02/16/derp-groupon-spox-thinks-alexander-hamilton-us-president-valid-opinion
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/groupon-celebrates-presidents-day-by-honoring-alexander-hamilton-2014-02-14-111594018

Morons...

The Science Experiment

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/16/us/seattle-science-project-explosion/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

The Tattoo...

http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/17/man-jailed-for-encouraging-friend-to-tattoo-penis-on-unwitting-victim-4307068/

Some problems take care of themselves

http://metro.co.uk/2014/02/17/snake-handling-preacher-dies-after-being-bitten-by-venomous-serpent-4307079/

An interesting article about the Hunley

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/14/travel/civil-war-submarine-hunley/index.html
The first submarine to sink another ship. This article reviews the attempts to learn what sank it, in return.

A genetic map of the world

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2558759/From-Mogul-warriors-European-traders-Interactive-map-reveals-fallen-empires-left-stamp-genes.html
This is pretty neat, if it's accurate, (I've no background to judge it).

Happy Birthday John Sullivan!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Sullivan_%28general%29

A Patriot.

Happy Presidents Day!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington%27s_Birthday

CIA parenting method gains endorsement from alleged pediatrician

http://disinfo.com/2014/02/best-selling-author-near-death-experiences-convicted-waterboarding-stepdaughter/

So much for Dr. Spock, in our brave new world....

Elvira Sodas!

https://www.sortthisoutcellars.com/Elvira_s_Olde_Tyme_Soda_Classics_6_pack_set_p/elvirasoda7.htm

Happy Birthday Hairspray (the film)!

Premiered on this date in 1988.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095270/

Happy Birthday Jerry Moore!

A local (DC) ghost host of great renown.

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

Happy Birthday Sonny Bono!

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

Happy Birthday Christopher Gadsden!

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

A Patriot.

Photos of the Flying Wing

http://www.retronaut.com/2012/07/northrop-flying-wing-c-1946/

Neat-O!

Evidence of Other Universes!

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/421999/astronomers-find-first-evidence-of-other-universes/

Pretty neat!

Happy Birthday Harvey Korman!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0466327/

Happy Birthday Matt Groening!

http://www.biography.com/people/matt-groening-9542573

Happy Birthday Susan B. Anthony!

http://susanbanthonyhouse.org/her-story/biography.php

Headline of the day

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/man-banana-costume-ak-47

The Apple Scruffs - a nice article about 'em

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/love-them-do-the-story-of-the-beatles-biggest-fans-20140214?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
They're all mad, of course. But there's also something charming in this. And I now finally know what "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" is about.
There are more stories about the Scruffs. Once, they tried to alert Paul that his (then) girlfriend, Jane Asher, was arriving at his house while he was entertaining another woman inside... Another time, he just hung out a window and serenaded them with a rendition of Blackbird.

Valentine's bouquet for that bacon lover in your life!

http://www.thekitchn.com/show-your-valentine-some-love-with-bacon-roses-200156?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fthekitchn+%28TK+Channel%3A+Main%29

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Al Jaffee shows the fold-in that MAD Magazine wouldn't print

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/newsmakers/cartoonist-al-jaffee-reveals-one-fold-mad-magazine-165324596.html

Happy Birthday Robert Shea!

http://bobshea.net/

Happy Birthday Jack Benny!

http://www.jackbenny.org/

Genius. Essential.

Happy Birthday Ray Teller!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teller_%28magician%29

Happy Birthday Emperor Norton!

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

Happy Valnetine's Day!

How old were the original Revolutionaries?

http://allthingsliberty.com/2013/08/ages-of-revolution-how-old-1776/

Interesting.

Star Wars VS The Olympics

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

Neat-O! Now, this I would watch!

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

Happy Birthday Black Sabbath! (the album)

Released on this date in 1970.

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

Happy Birthday Susan Oliver!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0647010/

Happy Birthday Peter Gabriel!

https://petergabriel.com/news/

Snow...

As I type this, a huge snowstorm is being predicted for the DC area. As longtime readers know, I am extremely skeptical and cynical when it comes to our so-called meteorologists' predictions for us. It is also a matter of vast public record that we are the all-time wussiest people when it comes to snow, here. So, I guess we'll see what happens - whether it is the 7-12" that I just heard was predicted. or less, or nothing at all. Regardless, we are prepared here at the Manor, with enough food, firewood and bourbon to take us into the Spring, if need be. My one and only concern is the electricity. For some reason, it seems more and more vulnerable around here. In my childhood, loss of power was rare, and when it occurred was measured in hours. Now, it is much more frequent and can last for days. I'd be curious as to why that is.

RIP Sid Caesar

http://www.wtop.com/541/3561685/Sid-Caesar-comic-genius-of-1950s-television-dies

We've lost a Giant of American comedy.

Meanwhile, In Antarctica...

http://www.wimp.com/antarcticaweather/

(Thanks for the link, Mathew!)

My Hometown

http://www.wtop.com/1319/3561218/Third-times-the-charm-on-erroneous-DC-parking-ticket
At this point, I practically have to be dragged to go into DC. As for the DMV there, it is like the rest of the city's government - incompetent, petty, corrupt, and/or lazy. And I can't imagine why anyone would want to work for them who didn't share at least two of those attributes.

Charlie Brown Christmas min-documentary

http://www.newsfromme.com/2014/02/12/todays-video-link-1623/
This is wonderful. I've written about Charlie Brown Christmas before. It is one of the ironies in my life that I really love it, and have had the pleasure of watching it virtually every Christmas since that first broadcast.

Red Shirts

http://sciencefiction.com/2014/02/11/star-trek-returning-tv-redshirts/

This sounds pretty amusing for any Star Trek fans.

New video from Well Hung Heart!

http://www.wellhungheart.com/post/76408472638/new-music-video-big-plans-from-our-forthcoming

One of my fave new bands.

Happy Birthday Dracula (the film)!

Premiered on this date in 1931.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/

Happy Birthday Ray Manzarek!

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

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln!

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/abrahamlincoln

Happy VD!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/27-weird-and-creepy-vintage-valentines-day-cards

(Thanks for the link and title, Barb!)

A break in the Lyon Sisters Case?

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Sheila-Lyon-Katherine-Break-in-Decades-Old-Disappearance-of-Md-Sisters-Police-244783641.html?asndjkandja

This tragedy haunted DC at the time, and I confess to still finding it so. One of the great mysteries in our region. I hope that the truth comes out, and hope they nail the bastard that did it...

The Ultimate Contract

http://esoterx.com/2014/02/05/contract-law-of-the-beast-historical-fine-print-on-your-pact-with-the-devil/

A neat article exploring the history and origins of pacts with the Devil.

is Abe Vigoda still alive?

This'll tell you:

http://www.abevigoda.com/

Look out, McDonald's...

http://www.yourjewishnews.com/2014/02/n31373.html

RIP Shirley Temple

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/11/275190468/shirley-temple-dies-childhood-movie-star-became-diplomat

Happy Cheney Day!

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

Anniversary of the Beatles' DC concert!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkoR3bS701E

Anniversary of the Massachusetts Circular Letter, 1768

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

An important precursor to the Revolution.

Happy Birthday Gene Vincent!

http://www.rockabillyhall.com/genevincent.html

Happy Birthday Sheryl Crow!

http://www.sherylcrow.com/

Happy Birthday Bobby "Boris" Pickett!

http://www.themonstermash.com/

Happy Birthday Leslie Nielsen!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000558/

Happy Birthday Benjamin Tallmadge!

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

A Patriot.

Great moments in the English language

http://www.retronaut.com/2014/02/first-recorded-instance-f-word-english/

I believe that is is referred to as an "Own Goal" in soccer...

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2014/02/10/the_suicide_bomb_instructor_who_accidentally_killed_his_students_and_more.html

Happy Birthday Jimmy Durante!

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

Happy Birthday Lon Chaney, Jr.!

http://lonchaney.com/lon-chaney-jr/

Happy Birthday Bertolt Brecht!

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

The Kinkster is running for Texas AG Commissioner

http://texasforkinky.com/events

Happy Birthday to Wizards!

Premiered on this date in 1977. One of my all-time faves.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076929/

Aniversary of the Beatles appearing on Ed Sullivan

http://www.jukebo.com/the-beatles/music-clip,the-ed-sullivan-show-first-appearance,qp8rul.html

Happy Birthday Frank Frazetta!

http://frankfrazetta.net/

Happy Birthday Ronald Colman!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0172903/

Happy Birthday Barbara Lewis!

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

One of the most under-rated singer songwriters of all time.

Happy Birthday Carole King!

http://www.caroleking.com/

Genius. Essential.

Happy National Bagels & Lox Day!

http://bagelsforever.com/

Yum!

The turning away from religious traditions - from The Onion

http://www.theonion.com/articles/lapsed-cult-member-only-attends-sanctum-on-major-b,35211/

Fungoid Art

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/arts-and-lifestyle/2012/06/art-exhibit-underneath-london-made-entirely-fungus/2331/

Very Lovecraftian...

Grave Matters...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/07/humor-in-death_n_4730670.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009

The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society is accepting new members!

http://www.cthulhulives.org/store/storeDetailPages/hplhsmembership.html

Wonderful folks!

Happy Birthday Enlgand Dan Seals!

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

Happy Birthday Jules Verne!

http://www.biography.com/people/jules-verne-9517579

Nuclear Scuba - The Ultiamte Dive?

http://www.dtmag.com/dive-usa/locations/TexasMissileSiloTX.html

(Thanks for the link, Nick!)

Trailers From Hell looks at The Dunwich Horror!

http://trailersfromhell.com/dunwich-horror/

The intelligence of crows

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/06/crow-smartest-bird_n_4738171.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009
Neat-O!

Finally! A proper use for the Washington Times is discovered!

http://www.wtop.com/209/3557016/Parents-of-teen-found-in-gym-mat-sue-funeral-home

Happy Birthday to the Lost Skeleton of Cadavra!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0307109/

Released on this date in 2004.

An newly discovered humanoid being in Peru?

http://www.ancient-origins.net/news-evolution-human-origins/initial-dna-analysis-paracas-elongated-skull-released-incredible

It'll be interesting to see if this is true and how it plays out. I'm sure the the ancient astronaut fanatics are going crazy.

Skinny Puppy - Government Contractor

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26055297

The world just got a little stranger...

(Thanks for the link, John!)

Happy Birthday Robert La Follette Jr!

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAlafolletteR.htm

Happy Birthday Adam Weishaupt!

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

Happy Darwin Day!

http://darwinday.org/

Happy Birthday Patrick Macnee!

http://patrickmacnee.com/

Happy Birthday Bob Marley!

http://www.bobmarley.com/

Vampire Over London

http://beladraculalugosi.wordpress.com/

An entire blog devoted to Bela Lugosi.

A nazi guidebook to Britain?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2550879/Top-secret-Nazi-A-Z-Britain-reveals-Hitlers-stormtroopers-picked-send-children-school-invading-Britain.html
Sometimes, articles like this aren't particularly accurate. But I am struck by a single booklet details both landmarks for paratrooper drops, as well as where the high command will be living come the conclusion of the invasion - not to mention demolition sites, ,etc. That makes no sense to me at all, combining disparate functions into a single document. I'd have an expert check over the physical evidence (paper, ink used, etc.) before bidding on such an object.